Every year we celebrate Christmas, and each time we are filled with gratitude and joy. This is because the news of the Lord coming to this earth is the greatest news and a mysterious grace. The incarnation—God taking on human flesh and coming to this world—is the mystery of mysteries. Yet, if we listen to this mystery as something unrelated to us, it can become just familiar content, nothing particularly new. However, when believers hear the Christmas story as their own story, that mystery becomes grace and surpasses gratitude, turning into overwhelming emotion. That is why I want to look at the Magi from the East today. The Magi from the East are people who don’t usually receive much attention, but during Christmas, they are often in the spotlight. Their figures can easily be seen in Christmas plays, hymns, and Christmas cards. Personally, even though I’ve attended Christmas services every year, looking back, I feel like this is the first time I’m sharing a message about the Magi from the East. So today, I hope that through their story, we can share in the grace of Christmas and renew our faith.

In life, there are times when we experience shocks. Shock refers to the emotion we feel when we encounter a situation different from what we expected. I believe the Magi introduced today also experienced such a shock. Although it was an unexpected shock, I hope it becomes a moment through which we can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and the gospel.

1.     They likely assumed everyone would rejoice at the birth of the king. It must have

been shocking to witness jealousy and turmoil instead.

From a Jewish perspective, one might have expected overflowing joy and worship—after all, the long-awaited Messiah had come, their king had arrived. But reality was different. Their faces showed no welcome, only agitation—an unexpected sight. King Herod simply asked, “Where is the Christ to be born?” It may have sounded like a question from someone unfamiliar with the law and prophecies, but he persistently inquired about the location with the determination to find and kill this newborn threat to his throne. Historically, he was indeed a man who ruthlessly murdered rivals, even including his own wives and sons, to secure his power. And Jerusalem was in an uproar—hearts troubled, the city thrown into confusion. While Herod’s motives are understandable, it’s puzzling why the people of Jerusalem were anxious and disturbed. Perhaps they feared that upsetting a ruler of Herod’s temperament would bring disastrous consequences upon them as well.

Here lies an insight: we may be shocked when we encounter reactions different from our expectations. People don’t always respond as we imagine. Great expectations can lead to great disappointment. Yet even then, there’s no need to be disheartened or shaken. An attitude of “so be it” is also necessary. “So be it” doesn’t mean giving up or losing heart; rather, it’s a way of comforting oneself—a resolve to remain steady and continue doing what we must, regardless of the circumstances or people’s responses. The same applies to our worship and devotion. Our worship and commitment should not change based on who is present or who is watching. Right here, right now, in this very place, we must worship God.

2.     They were shocked by the fundamental difference between the ways of the world and the way of Jesus.

The Magi came from afar, following a star to worship the King who had been born into this world. After worshiping the infant Jesus, they needed to return to their homeland. Naturally, it would have seemed logical to stop by and pay respects to Herod, the ruler of Judea, on their way back. But reality was different. God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod and instructed them to go back “by another route.” Since Bethlehem is located south of Jerusalem, it is likely that to avoid Herod, the Magi returned via a southern rather than a northern route. Sensing the danger that lay on their intended path, they chose a new way home. Along that journey, they must have realized that the Messiah’s way and the world’s way are not the same.

What we learn here is that the way of the world and the way Jesus walked are fundamentally different. Following Jesus is no exception. While there is blessing and grace, there is also suffering and pain. It is a path of constant self-denial and bearing one’s own cross. Because it differs from the world’s way, it can be uncomfortable and difficult. In such moments, we should not lose heart but remember that we are on the right path. Struggles and resistance are to be expected. Remind yourself, “You are doing well.” The world constantly tempts us to take the familiar and comfortable road. But just as God guided the Magi away from Herod’s path, we too must walk the path of obedience and faith, following the Lord’s direction. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” (Psalm 143:8)

3.     They were shocked to see that the Messiah, who came as the King of the Jews, appeared unexpectedly humble and modest.

The Magi knew the Messiah had come to earth because of the star. They likely thought, “A great king has been born on this earth,” and naturally expected a magnificent king, welcomed by crowds in a splendid palace. But reality was different. When the Magi met the infant Jesus in a humble “house” in Bethlehem, it must have been a heart-stirring surprise, completely contrary to their expectations. The Gospel of Luke records that there was no room at the inn, and Jesus was born in a stable (a manger). This can be understood as describing a slightly later moment. Combining the two Gospels, it is highly likely that Jesus was born in a modest place connected to a house, such as a stable or a barn. This poverty reflects Jesus’ lowly and humble birth. Yet, despite this, when the Magi saw the infant Jesus, they bowed down and worshiped Him, presenting precious gifts. Though outwardly humble, they believed the essence of kingship does not lie in appearance. They bowed down in worship because they knew Jesus was to be the King who would rule all the world. “Bowing down in worship” means kneeling, humbling oneself as much as possible while offering the utmost respect and reverence to the other.

Today, the scene of Christmas is often filled with consumer culture, where people excitedly indulge in luxury and spending. As a result, the images that come to mind during Christmas are gifts, department stores, products, and dazzling Christmas trees and lights. However, such extravagance may not be the essence of Christmas. The presence of Jesus Christ can appear in places different from people’s expectations or standards. Moreover, the kingdom of God does not come visibly but enters the hearts of believers, spreading through their transformed lives in this world. The true meaning of Christmas is precisely to discover Jesus Christ, to welcome Him, and to bow down in worship before Him—to humble ourselves before the Lord.

Conclusion

The Magi encountered a Jesus different from what they had expected. Yet, through this, they were able to gain a deeper understanding of who the Messiah truly is. When things turn out to be far from what we imagined, we can learn the ways of the Lord even more. If we only accept what fits comfortably within our own ideas, we cannot be transformed. Like the Magi, we too must let go of the familiarity of thinking we already know and meet Jesus anew. We can encounter God even in places we do not expect, and we can become true worshipers among people we never anticipated.

This Christmas, may we rediscover the Lord anew. And may we bow down before Him once again with fresh reverence. May the lyrics of Hymn 122 become our confession:

“O come, all ye faithful,
Let us go to Bethlehem’s town.
See the Child lying in a manger,
Let us bow down and worship,
Bow down and worship—
Our Savior is born!”

Let us all, with our whole heart and body, bow down in worship and glorify the Lord as His people.