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The Offering of the Wise Men
Sermonette by John O. ReidIn our offering, we need to imitate the wise men, who knew they had been blessed by being some of the first people who had the opportunity to see Christ.

Who Were the Wise Men?
Article by StaffThe Feast of Epiphany, observed on January 6, commemorates the visit of the wise men, known as magi, to the infant Jesus at Bethlehem. These wise men knew in advance who they would visit and that their purpose was to worship Him. It is highly unlikely that heathen, idolatrous astrologers would travel great distances to honor the son of a deity they did not worship, suggesting that these magi were not pagan astrologers. The star that led the wise men to the young Jesus in Bethlehem was of miraculous origin, not an ordinary physical star. It had the ability to move, going before them until it came and stood over where the young Child was, a feat no known star or meteor can accomplish. This star, referred to as His star, was possibly an angel, given the glorious appearance of such spirit beings and their ability to move and guide. The magi were from the East, a distant land far from Judea of 4 BC, likely within the Parthian Empire, which included lands like Babylon and Persia where some of the ancient house of Israel had been exiled. Historical evidence suggests that some ancient magi claimed Abraham as their ancestor, adding to the possibility that these magi were Israelites eager to honor the One who could be their rightful King, especially given the auspicious nature of the miraculous star at His birth. Biblical and historical evidence indicates that these magi were not pagan astrologers led by heavenly observations but probably God-fearing descendants of the exiled house of Israel, guided miraculously to Bethlehem, likely by an angel, and divinely warned to flee back to their homeland after their visit.
Were the Magi Pagan Astrologers (Matthew 2:1-12)?
Bible Questions & Answers'Magi' can refer to God-fearing priests, prophets, and interpreters of dreams, as well as to unrighteous false prophets, astrologers, and soothsayers.
Offering From the Heart
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamThe most significant offering ever given to a dignitary—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—was given to Jesus Christ by the magi.
Matthew (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMatthew wrote his account with the Jews in mind, repeatedly saying, 'This was done to fulfill the prophets,' emphasizing the law and the Kingdom of God.
Four Views of Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dominant emphasis of Matthew is the kingly qualities of Jesus as a descendant of the royal house of David, representing the Lion of Judah.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Six)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus shared many happy feasts with His disciples and attended banquets and celebrations, much to the chagrin of the self-righteous Pharisees.
Insinuating the Savior Into Paganism
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite the pagan origins of Christmas being well known, here is still defensiveness when anyone poses questions about the appropriateness of it all.