Every Knee Shall Bow

John Hopkins, Jr. was perplexed. He knew that the Christmas season was a time to give gifts. But, that year of 1857, he could not decide what to do. Finally, he decided not to give anything, but to write a poem. He called it, “We three kings of Orient are.” Eventually, his words were adapted to music and became a carol.

While mostly retelling the Biblical account, Hopkins slightly embellished the story by writing about three magi. (In fact, the Bible never mentions a number).

Throughout the centuries, these have been men of mystery. Who were they? The Greek word is magos. In the 5th century BC, the Greek historian, Herodotus, wrote that magos were a caste of Medes who had a priestly function in Persia. Some think they were astrologers, noting that astrologers, magicians, sorcerers, and Chaldeans advised Babylonian leaders during the time of Daniel.

In any case, they were serious students of the stars and were so impressed with unusual signs in the heavens that they were willing to travel hundreds of miles to seek “the King of the Jews.”

These men became the first “Gentiles” to recognize the coming of the Messiah. Their presence in Bethlehem reminds us that Jesus came to bring salvation to everyone. That God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

As these men from the East bowed before the infant Jesus and worshiped Him, we also are reminded that “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10).

Today, bow before Jesus and proclaim Him as your Lord. And, remember that the message of salvation is for everyone!