February 5

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child, with Mary his mother.—Matthew 2:11.

THESE celebrated persons whose journey is thus recorded, were Persian philosophers, men of superior learning, and whose chief study, most probably, was that of astronomy. Their attention was arrested, by the extraordinary appearance of a new star or rather brilliant meteor; and a great expectation prevailing at this period, that some eminent person would appear, they directed their steps to Jerusalem, that they might enquire where the long predicted and earnestly expected Messiah should be born. Bethlehem being the place spoken of by the prophet Micah, they proceed on their interesting journey, until, at last, the meteor became stationary over the place where Jesus was. Then immediately follows the interview: the toil, and expenses of their journey is rewarded, by beholding the young child with Mary his mother. And what did they feel, when they beheld the little babe, in a place so poor and mean, and under such circumstances of earthly humiliation? Were they disappointed? Did they turn aside in disgust? Did they regret their extended journey? No; confident that the whole was supernatural—that the finger of God was in it—they believe in the infant Prince, and worship at his feet. Several instructive lessons are taught us by the history of these worshippers of Jesus. By nature, we are all far from Christ. To guide us to Jesus, we have the star of the gospel, as a light shining in a dark place. Following its gracious rays, we shall assuredly be brought to the presence of the Saviour. If we turn aside to human learning or human expedients, as the sages did when they went to Jerusalem, we shall cease to be benefited by the star. When come to Jesus, we shall find no earthly pomp, or worldly splendour, his kingdom is not of this world. But we shall find the child given, the son born, the wonderful counsellor, the prince of peace. In him we shall obtain righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.