In my country there is a common saying, “my star”, “your star”, “his star”, which means that something good has happened, or will happen. For example, when one has been unemployed and soon finds a job, people may say “his star has come.” Other sayings are, “none can take your star”, or, “wait for your star.” These sayings mean that the time of a specific blessing will come to each person. What does the word “star” have to do with the blessings that a person is given? I do not know where culturally the word came from, but let us connect it with the Bible verse it may have been taken from. “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2. This question was asked by the wise men when Jesus was born.

The darkness of 2024 vs the full light of 2025

Jesus is the light of the world and King of kings. At His birth, the question was asked:  “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” During His judgment before His death, Pilate the Governor asked, “Art Thou the king of the Jews?” “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:33, 36. At His death, the sign above the cross read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a humble worker, and also our Saviour. He was, and is, the “King of kings and Lord of lords.”  People still today need to know about Him, where He is, and why.

The year 2024 passed with many experiences both good and bad. I am sure you remember what you went through. In this last year,  did you look for Jesus, asking every day, “where is my King?”

The Wise men 2000 years ago

2000 years ago there were wise men who travelled in the night, but they followed the light. They could only make their trip by night because they “saw His star”. They were led by the star which could appear only in the darkness.

The year 2024 has passed, and the year 2025 has begun. Indeed, when a year draws to a close and the new one begins, it is a time to reflect on the past year and meditate deeply upon our profession of faith, our spiritual progress, our relationships with others, without forgetting our religious, family and social duties.  Wisdom is valued more than money. “A wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.” Ecclesiastes 8:5. We also read in Proverbs 3:35, “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” This shows how wisdom is necessary to each one of us. It is very different from knowledge and intelligence. You can have intelligence without wisdom. How can we be wiser in 2025, the new year that has been given to us as an opportunity, as another probationary time?

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1–2

“The wise men from the East belonged to a class that represented wealth and learning. Among these were upright men who studied the indications of God in nature and were honored for their integrity and wisdom. The wise men who came to Jesus were such men. As they studied the starry heavens, these devout, educated men saw the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. There were prophetic writings in their own land that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. Balaam’s prophecies had been handed down by tradition from century to century. But, in the Old Testament, the wise men learned with joy that the Savior’s coming was near. The whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord.

“The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. A glowing star appeared and lingered in the sky, an event that stirred keen interest. That star was a group of shining angels, but the wise men did not know this. Yet they were impressed that the star held special importance to them.” –Humble Hero, p. 22. And thus they could say, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Dear reader, ask yourself: Do I search the scriptures to seek for a sign of the second coming of Jesus? What do I do to draw close to Jehovah in these perilous times? The wise men had welcomed the light of truth that Heaven had sent, and so it shone on them in brighter rays. God instructed them through dreams to go in search of the newborn Prince. Is it the same with you? Do you discern the light of the truth among the darkness of the world today? Do you really work uprightly in the light that has been sent to you? Do you have such faith? Do you also follow the light where others see only darkness? Are you able to discern God’s light amidst the confusion of others?

A Journey by Night

“[The wise men] had to travel by night in order to keep the star in view, but at every pause for rest the travelers searched the prophecies. The conviction deepened that God was guiding them. The journey, though long, was a happy one.” –Ibid., p. 22

This is my wish for you in this new year, 2025. It is a long year, but let it be a happy one. It is possible to have inner peace in this troubled world.

After a long journey, solely by night, they finally reached the land of Israel and had Jerusalem in sight, and the star rested above the temple. Eagerly they hurried onward, confidently expecting the news of the Messiah’s birth to be found there. But the priests who claimed to be keepers of God’s oracles, boasted of their religion and piety while they denounced the Greeks and Romans as sinners. These wise men were not idol worshipers, and in the sight of God, the Jewish leaders felt they stood far higher than these professed followers, as the Jews looked on them as heathen. Their eager questions touched no responsive chord in their conscience.

There is much we do not know about these men: How many men were there? What country were they from? How far did they travel? What are their names?  How old was Jesus when the wise men arrived in Bethlehem?  Was He, a few days  . . . weeks . . . months . . . two years? However, we can learn much from them, and take some lessons for our long journey in this year 2025 and during our life on earth.

The Bible and Spirit of prophecy say nothing about the above questions. But Tradition has assigned a number, indicating there were three, and assigning their names as: Baltasar, King of Arabia; Gasparv, King of India; and Melchior, King of Persia. True or not, we only know that “all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11

Important lessons for this year 2025

Why are these men called “wise”?  In God’s eyes they were wise because of Whom they sought, what they thought, what they brought as gifts, and what they taught.

They have also been called kings or Magi. According to one commentary, the term Magi “suggests that they were priestly sages from Persia, who were experts in astrology and the interpretation of dreams.”

Among the darkness they saw the star and recognized its meaning. Many at the time were reading about the promised Messiah but these men understood. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” Proverbs 1:5

“Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.” Ecclesiastes 8:5

We are living in a perilous time of darkness. Many lies shall cover the world and only the wise shall know the truth, the true way, and follow it.  The prophet Daniel wrote, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

The wise men who sought Jesus met opposition in Jerusalem, the priests despised their research. In these last days, only the wise shall be purified, shall be made white, be tried and will understand.

“There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who have the light of truth, and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit, with earnest prayer, and if they see no light in it, yield to their judgment, for ‘in the multitude of counselors there is safety.’” –Last Day Events, p. 91

We are called to be wise and not foolish. The Book of Proverbs uses this word to mean heavenly wisdom, the upright man or woman.

In this year 2025, and for the rest of our life in this world, let us learn from those wise men, and ask God to increase our knowledge and wisdom. Now we will read of the needed wisdom in our life every day.

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:13–18

What they sought

Who were they seeking for? In Jerusalem they asked, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?”  Matthew 2:2.  This shows they understood that Jesus could come in the nature of Man: “Where is He?” Also, He would come as a Monarch: “Born a King,” and the Messiah: “Of the Jews.” Their quest was in response to, “We have seen.” Their search involved adoration. “We are come to worship.”

What they thought 

When they reached Jerusalem, the wise men were neglected by the priests and leaders of the people. Their pride, as educated teachers, would not allow them to stoop to be instructed by heathen people. It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant, pagan Gentiles. The star first led them to Jerusalem, but they were disappointed. “As the shadows of night fell, the wise men left Jerusalem alone. But to their great joy, they saw the star again and were directed to Bethlehem. Disappointed by the careless attitude of the Jewish leaders, they left Jerusalem less confident than when they had entered it.” –Humble Hero, p. 24

What they brought

“The Eastern country was rich in precious things, and the wise men did not set out empty-handed. They brought the most costly gifts in the land as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth would be blessed.” –Humble Hero, p. 22

From their studies, they knew that this star was unusual. They had been reading the promises in the Scriptures. They were encouraging each other while walking to the place where they would see the newborn King. But who told them that He is a King, Priest, Prophet etc.?

They brought:

  • Gold = A gift for a mighty King.
  • Frankincense = A gift for a ministering Priest.
  • Myrrh = A gift for a martyred Prophet.

In their study of the Scriptures, they discerned that “His star” is solemn, and that He would be a king, prophet and priest. How do you know Jesus? Who is He for you? Do you bring offerings and tithes to the house of God when you come to worship, as they did? Do you value the gifts you bring to God? The wise men came to worship, but not with empty hands. Today we are required to do more than in ancient times.

“The magi had been among the first to welcome the Redeemer. Their gift was the first that was laid at His feet. And through that gift, what privilege of ministry was theirs! The offering from the heart that loves, God delights to honor, giving it highest efficiency in service for Him. If we have given our hearts to Jesus, we also shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold and silver, our most precious earthly possessions, our highest mental and spiritual endowments, will be freely devoted to Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 65

“The liberality required of the Hebrews was largely to benefit their own nation; today the work of God extends over all the earth. In the hands of His followers, Christ has placed the treasures of the gospel, and upon them He has laid the responsibility of giving the glad tidings of salvation to the world. Surely our obligations are much greater than were those of ancient Israel.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 337–338

What They Taught

There are many precious lessons we can learn from the story of these Magi who came to see Jesus, the new King that was born.

  • Some who are far away find Christ before some who are perhaps in the church.
  • Finding Christ is worth all the effort one puts forth. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
  • You can behave like those wise men in this year 2025, and during your lifetime, and teach it to others.
  • You can see the light in the darkness. Today most people are filled with confusion and do not follow the truth. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1–2
  • Never let what you think override what God has revealed.
  • We have to recognize Jesus as our King, personal Saviour and Master.
  • We are blessed if we are not discouraged by the doubts of other people, even if they have been in the faith; we have to continue on our way until we see Jesus in heaven.
  • Offerings are, and have been, a principle for worship service if we recognize the goodness of the Lord

This is an inspiring story about the philosophers, the Magi, the wise men who sought Jesus at His first coming to earth, born as the Messiah for our salvation. You yourself can decide to be wise men and wise women in this New Year, 2025. Carefully analyze your relationship with God, with the church, the truth, and your fellowmen making the necessary preparation to face future events.

Why were the Magi called Wise men? It is because of what they sought, what they thought, what they brought, and what they taught.

It is a time for reflection, when each one of us can ask himself, “Who am I?  Am I wise or not? Where am I going? Am I guided by His star, even if others do not see it? Who is my King, Lord and Saviour? Who is my neighbour? Am I a real Reformer?”

In closing, dear reader, let us read the words in Ecclesiastes 2:14; 4:13. “Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king. . .”  The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness.” May God help all of us to face this new year with the resolution that the year 2025 will be a new era for each of us, an era of walking wisely, looking and following only God’s light: “His star.” An era of unity, solidarity, and love.  May our church be called a church of wise people. Remember that we cannot have pure wisdom without Jesus. May God bless us all.

Amen.

By Victor Shumbusho