There’s some debate on whether or not we should call them “Wise Men.” Matthew uses the word “magi,” from which we get “magician.” Scholar Richard Vinson wonders if their presence is an allusion to the incompetent advisors in the Daniel story or even Pharaoh’s court in the time of Moses. While guided by a star, they’re still misguided, needing to stop in Jerusalem to get directions (no self-respecting wise man would ask for directions!). Vinson points out, “They have seen a new star, indicating to them the birth of a new king, but they know nothing else, which is less than the readers know.”

Maybe they weren’t the royal Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar of tradition. Perhaps we should think of them more like Moe, Larry, and Curly (Oh, wise guys, eh?)

I believe one of the reasons they’re in the Christmas story is to remind us that following stars will only get us so far. Our knowledge, wisdom, and intuition will only take us so far. Likewise, superstition and sentiment might bring comfort, but they provide no real answers. Finding God’s truth requires a path that he’s illuminated for us. Thankfully his path shines bright. John’s Gospel doesn’t begin with magi, shepherds, or angels. Rather he declares, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

It may be that you’ve found yourself in darkness this week. Maybe it’s been the darkness of grief, fear, or worry. But, while that darkness can feel all-consuming in the moment, John assures us that it cannot overcome the light of Christ that God has brought into your world.