by David Chadwick
Today we will look at one last hidden gem in the Christmas story. Daniel and the wise men.
Wait? Daniel is an Old Testament character. He lived 500 plus years before Jesus was born. What does he have to do with the Christmas story?
When Daniel lived in Babylon, he had an excellent spirit and worked very hard. God gifted him with spiritual insights. Eventually, he became like a Prime Minister of Babylon and was given authority over all of the enchanters, astrologers, and magicians. This last group of magicians were actually called “magi” in their original language.
Fast forward to the Christmas story. The wise men who visited Jesus are often called “the Magi.” They came from a distant land in the east, which was in the same general direction as the former Babylon.
Here are a couple of profound questions to ponder: How did the Magi know about the star? What to look for? Where to go?
Could it be that Daniel, some 500 plus years prior, taught them what to look for in the stars? Could he have shown them the gospel preached in the stars in Genesis 1? (Virgo the Virgin Mary; Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, etc.). Do you think the Magi may have passed down this information for generations?
Until one day, they saw a star in the east and knew that it was THE star Daniel had told their forefathers to look for? And thus making sense of why they brought expensive gifts from afar to worship the Son of God.
It could be. And, if so, this should certainly make one pause. And contemplate the greatness of our God who controls every second of history and uses all for his glory and purposes.
Another Christmas hidden gem? Sure does seem to hold some merit.
I pray these two weeks of hidden gems have encouraged your heart during the most wonderful time of the year.
A most blessed and merry Christmas to you all!
Thank you for sharing a moment of your day with us throughout the year. We look forward to sending you a Daily Moment of Hope again beginning January 1, 2024. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!