Tradition teaches us that the Magi were most probably members of the Persian priestly caste of Zoroastraianism from the lands of Persia located East of Judea and Syria. Known especially for their aptitude with astrology, they came in search of the child who was born king of the Jews ... for they had observed his star at its rising and had come to pay him homage (Mt 2:2). In fact, Saint Matthew says that they followed that star and it led them to the place where the child was (Mt 2:9). When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy (Mt 2:10) and entered the place where they found the infant Jesus, knelt before him and presented him with treasures that they had brought with them from the Orient. Saint Matthew tells us that these treasures were gold, frankincense and myrrh (cf Mt 2:11).
Like the visit of the shepherds, this visit too can teach us a few things about the person of Jesus and how we can do him homage. First, when they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy (Mt 2:10). Joy is one of the gifts that we receive when we too visit the manger and gaze upon the face of the infant Jesus. This is a divine gift that fills our hearts with elation.
Second, the Magi entered the place and knelt before the newborn king. The act of kneeling has long been recognized as an act of recognition of kingship. This is the reason why even today when we come into the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, we kneel or genuflect.
Third, they presented him with treasures. The prophet Isaiah says: they will bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord (Is 60:6). Gold was a gift traditionally presented to kings; frankincense, which is high-quality incense derived from tree resin, has traditionally been burned as a symbol of the Divine name of God (cf Malachi 1:11); and Saint Matthew adds a third gift – myrrh (Mt 2:11). Oil extracted from myrrh was among the spices used to prepare Jesus crucified body for burial (cf Jn 19:39).
The gifts offered that day were of exceeding value, gifts fit for a king, gifts worthy of God himself, gifts that foretold his self-giving sacrifice. The Magi brought these highly significant gifts and laid them at the feet of the child and his parents. Even though they may not have understood their significance at the time, Mary and Joseph pondered these truths as well. What they perceived that day as mystery has been made known to us as well (cf Eph 2:3), and for this reason we too have learned the joyous news of Christ’s birth. We celebrate it by bringing our own gifts and talents to the newborn child, laying them at his feet and allowing him to use them each day so that his will and not ours is accomplished.
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