“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’” (Mt 2:1–2).
The Epiphany has always been a favourite feast of mine. I love hearing how the magi knew they needed to search for a king and how they found him in the humblest of circumstances. During Advent, I benefitted from daily reflections reminding me of the magi and their importance in the story of our salvation. In this article, I will share a collection of the words of wisdom I have recently acquired.
The magi brought their earthly gifts to the Christ-Child and then returned home a different way due to the threat of King Herod. Not unlike today, Christianity from the beginning was humbling, uncomfortable, and even dangerous. Emily Stimpson Chapman reflects on the fact that being Christian is worth the risks:
“Look at the babe in the manger and the man on the cross and bow down before him in wonder, gratitude, and awe. Let the holy fire of his love wash over you. Trust it. Risk everything for it. Risk everything to share it, too. Because in the end, it’s the only love worth having. It is not safe. But it is real. It is glorious. And it does save.”
Author Danielle Bean reflected, “The regal splendor of the magi contrasts with the simplicity of the manger, reminding us of Mary’s song in the Magnificat: ‘He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly’ (Lk 1:52). In Baby Jesus, we see the perfect union of humility and exaltation. God humbles himself, taking on human flesh, so that we may be lifted into his divine life. Where is God inviting us to be humbled and where does he desire to lift us up? When we lay down our pride and earthly treasures at his feet, we open ourselves to joy.”
In examining Botticelli’s painting, Adoration of the Magi, Bean also writes, “This scene weaves together majesty and humility. Kings bow before the infant Jesus, beautifully reflecting Jesus’ words: ‘The first will be last, and the last will be first’ (Mt 20:16). Though the magi were esteemed in the eyes of the world, they laid their treasures at the feet of a child born in poverty, acknowledging him as the King of Kings. God calls us to reorder our priorities. Are we putting Christ first in our hearts, or are we clinging to worldly distractions? By humbling themselves, the magi found their true treasure in Jesus.”
Bishop Barron often refers to the “ego-drama” and the “theo-drama.” In Advent, he wrote, “The ego-drama is the play that I’m writing, I’m producing, I’m directing, and I’m starring in. We see this absolutely everywhere in our culture. Freedom of choice reigns supreme; I become the person that I choose to be. The theo-drama is the great story being told by God, the great play being directed by God. What makes life thrilling is to discover your role in it.”
As for the magi, their role in the theo-drama was to honour the child and protect him by not returning to King Herod, who would have had the child killed. “They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way” (Mt 2:11–12).
Inspired by these authors, in 2025 I aim to reorder my priorities and continue striving to leave my “ego-drama” behind. One of my efforts will be participating in Ascension’s latest podcast, The Rosary in a Year, with Father Mark-Mary Ames. (ascensionpress.com/riy) Join me if you wish! Regardless of how we seek our individual roles in the theo-drama, let us each enter the new year “by another way” than the way we arrived at Christmas.
Like the magi, we need to humble ourselves and “find [our] true treasure in Jesus.” We must leave the Christmas season changed by what we have seen in the manger, changed by the life we receive in the Eucharist, and changed because of the gifts we humbly offer at the feet of Jesus.
Your voice matters! Join the conversation by submitting a Letter to the Editor here.