This Christmas, what are you looking for?
The Waypoints manga “Stars & Hearts” tells the story of some people who traveled a long way, seeking the newborn King, Jesus. This story is based on Christmas story from the Bible (in Matthew 2:1-12).
The magi are fascinating and mysterious characters. In Waypoints we’ve taken some liberties with their appearance, culture and personalities. The original texts don’t tell us much, but from the hints the Bible does give us, we can discover a few things.
It says the came from “the east”. There are different opinions on where exactly that means. Many people think Babylon or Persia or Arabia. Some even think they might have come from as far as China! But it was probably far, and might have taken several months for them to get to Israel.
They’re called “wise men” or “magi” in English. The original Greek word is “magoi”, and seems to refer to a kind of philosopher and astrologer.
So they weren’t from Israel, and they probably weren’t even Jews. But somehow they knew about the Old Testament promises of the Messiah, long-awaited King of the Jews. And somehow, using a star, God revealed to them that the time of the Messiah’s arrival had come.
There’s deep meaning here.
The Bible refers to Jesus as the “Christ” or the “Messiah” — the One the Jewish Scriptures promised would come to save His people. But in the Christmas narratives, we see Magi, these non-Jewish strangers come from afar, in response to a revelation from God about the newborn Jewish Messiah.
This shows us that even though Jesus was the fulfillment of Jewish prophecies, He didn’t only come for Jews, but for all of us. Jesus isn’t just for a certain people group, and Chrisitanity isn’t just a western relgion. Jesus came for the whole world!
And if someone sincerely seeks Jesus, like these magi did, they’ll find Him.
So, what are YOU seeking?
Many people in today have everything they physically need. But they don’t have the peace, hope and joy they desire. Many seek it in the wrong things. Others don’t seek it at all; they bury their feelings and go on as if nothing’s wrong.
But Jesus came some 2000 years ago to meet this need. In Him our spiritual thirst can be satisfied.
That’s what Christmas is really about. In this story, the magi come to Jesus and give Him gifts. But really, they’re the ones who received the greater gift, aren’t they?
They got to meet Jesus.
What about YOU?
What are you looking for this Christmas?
