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← The Star, The Search, The Savior — January 15 [Description]This passage tells the story of the wise men (magi) from the East who, while studying the stars and sacred prophecies, discovered signs of the Messiah’s birth. They journeyed with faith to worship Him, guided by a mysterious star. Despite their sincere search, they were met with indifference and pride from Jerusalem’s religious leaders, who had access to prophecy but ignored its fulfillment. Jesus as a Child — January 17 [Description]This passage explores the formative years of Jesus’ life, emphasizing His humble upbringing in Nazareth. Though He could have chosen any environment, He grew up in a poor, often disrespected village, working with His hands and learning from nature, Scripture, and His mother rather than formal schools. His life was marked by unshakable integrity, service, spiritual depth, and resilience against constant temptation. Jesus’ example shows that greatness isn… →

Magi Worship the Humble Baby King — January 16 [Description]This passage recounts the wise men’s journey to worship Jesus, their disillusionment with religious leaders, and their awe upon finding the Savior in humble surroundings. Despite political danger and spiritual indifference, they recognize divinity beneath simplicity and offer heartfelt gifts. Meanwhile, God warns both the wise men and Joseph in dreams to protect the child from Herod’s wrath. Herod’s cruelty escalates into a massacre, tragically fulfilling prophecy and exposing Israel’s spiritual blindness. Yet amid danger, divine guidance ensures Jesus’ survival, showing that God uses the faithful—whether magi or peasants—and even their gifts, to accomplish His redemptive plan. 365D 16

Spirit of Prophecy Reading 365D 16

The Desire of Ages pp.63-67: 365D 16.1

The wise men departed alone from Jerusalem. The shadows of night were falling as they left the gates, but to their great joy they again saw the star, and were directed to Bethlehem. They had received no such intimation of the lowly estate of Jesus as was given to the shepherds. After the long journey they had been disappointed by the indifference of the Jewish leaders, and had left Jerusalem less confident than when they entered the city. At Bethlehem they found no royal guard stationed to protect the newborn King. None of the world’s honored men were in attendance. Jesus was cradled in a manger. His parents, uneducated peasants, were His only guardians. Could this be He of whom it was written, that He should “raise up the tribes of Jacob,” and “restore the preserved of Israel;” that He should be “a light to the Gentiles,” and for “salvation unto the end of the earth”? Isaiah 49:6. 365D 16.2

“When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him.” Beneath the lowly guise of Jesus, they recognized the presence of Divinity. They gave their hearts to Him as their Saviour, and then poured out their gifts,—“gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” What a faith was theirs! It might have been said of the wise men from the East, as afterward of the Roman centurion, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Matthew 8:10. 365D 16.3

Such was the Saviour’s reception when He came to the earth. There seemed to be no place of rest or safety for the infant Redeemer. God could not trust His beloved Son with men, even while carrying forward His work for their salvation. He commissioned angels to attend Jesus and protect Him till He should accomplish His mission on earth, and die by the hands of those whom He came to save. 365D 16.4