Every Knee Shall Bow

In 1857, John Hopkins Jr. couldn’t decide what Christmas gifts to give, so he decided to write a poem. His focus was on the magi who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.

Hopkins wrote of “three kings of Orient” who brought gifts from afar. When this poem developed into a popular Christmas carol, it helped confirm a tradition that there were three “magi,” although the Bible never mentions a number.

Throughout the centuries, these magi have been men of mystery, with many wondering who they were. The Greek word is magos, and in the fifth century BC, Herodotus wrote that magos were a caste of Medes who had a priestly function in the Persian Empire. Some think they were “astrologers” since men like these 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, and that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:4).

As these men worshipped the infant Jesus and brought Him gifts, 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, remember the message of salvation is for everyone. Bow before Jesus, and proclaim Him as your Lord.