Lessons from the Magi: When wisdom bows
Every kid who has one plays with their household Nativity set. As a child, I remember arranging and rearranging the Holy Family in whatever corner of the house the stable had been placed in, sometimes having my Barbies visit or designing new furniture for the stable with LEGO. Years later, we discovered my little brother’s toy airplane placed in the middle of the shepherds and their sheep. He explained it was for the “flight into Egypt,” of course.
Every kid who has one plays with their household Nativity set. As a child, I remember arranging and rearranging the Holy Family in whatever corner of the house the stable had been placed in, sometimes having my Barbies visit or designing new furniture for the stable with LEGO. Years later, we discovered my little brother’s toy airplane placed in the middle of the shepherds and their sheep. He explained it was for the “flight into Egypt,” of course.
The Holy Family, shepherds and three kings: you probably have a crèche nearby just like my family does (though you might want to check it for Barbies and airplanes). It’s customary to see it in households, churches and even public places this time of year. It can be so common that I sometimes completely forget the incredible truth it represents.
The Incarnation: God the Son became man to live among us and show us the way to the Father. This was announced to shepherds, some of the simplest and poorest in that time. The Gospel of Matthew also tells us that “Magi” (also known as Wise Men or kings) “from the East arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ’Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage’” (2:1-2).
When the Magi find Christ, they present him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. Scripture says that they “prostrated themselves and did him homage” (Mt 2:11). Magi, very important people bearing costly gifts, humbled themselves before Christ to worship him.
Reflecting on 2025, in so many ways it has felt like those in authority have tried to show who can be the loudest, the most powerful, the most destructive and the most abrasive. Our children are unfortunately seeing countless examples of people using their positions of power to bully or belittle.
The Solemnity of the Epiphany offers a powerful antidote to many modern images of authority and leadership. Rather than push for the spotlight, or acquiesce to the requests of Herod to learn Christ’s location to gain more prestige, they adore Christ in private and heed the warnings they are given not to reveal his location to earthly power (Mt 2:11-12). The Magi show true wisdom when they recognize God among us — even amid the chaos of Herod’s rule.
The Epiphany offers many ways to begin 2026 focused on Christ as King. There is a house blessing done with blessed chalk on the Epiphany (the internet has instructions for this) that can serve as a reminder that Christ is King in our homes and the world. We can — like the Magi — offer homage to Christ each day through whatever expressions of praise and worship serve to remind us of Christ’s work in our lives.
In our efforts to follow Christ, the Magi offer a powerful reminder that no matter how loud or threatening world leaders may appear, it is Christ who was, is and always will be King. He reminds us that his kingdom “does not belong to this world” (Jn 18:36). As his followers, we are not made for this world either.
As we begin 2026, the celebration of Epiphany is an invitation to look to the example of the Magi, and recognize that above all it is Christ the King who reigns now and eternally.
Alison Blanchet, LMHC, lives in Panama City, Florida, with her husband and three children. She works as a therapist for children and teens. Email her at alisondblanchet@gmail.com.
