The Lodgings of the Wise Men on Their Journey

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea 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)

And lo, these men were Magi—learned in signs and seasons, watchers of the heavens and seekers of truth. They journeyed afar, across deserts and rivers, over highlands and through valleys, their hearts stirred by the star that rose in the east.

Their way was long and filled with peril, for the paths were not paved, nor were the inns as those of the cities of Rome. Yet the Lord prepared places of rest for them, that they should not faint upon the road. Where men opened their doors, they entered with peace; where none would receive them, they laid under the stars and lifted their eyes unto the heavens from whence their help did come.

In the towns of the East, they found dwellings fashioned of clay and stone, cooled by night breezes and lit by oil lamps. Beneath flat roofs and reed-covered shelters, they rested from the heat of the day and the weariness of travel. They broke bread with strangers and drank from the wells of hospitality, for among the peoples of the East, a traveler was ever to be honored and served.

And it came to pass, after they had departed from Herod, lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy (Matthew 2:9–10).

At last, their journey ended not in a palace, nor in a house of princes, but in a humble dwelling. And there they found the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. And they opened their treasures—gold, and frankincense, and myrrh—gifts not only for a King, but for One born to suffer and to save.

Thus were the lodgings of the wise men marked by divine appointment, not by grandeur. Their beds were sometimes in lowly places, their pillows of stone, their paths uncertain. Yet the Light they followed did not fail, nor did their journey end in vain.

Let the reader understand: it is not the comfort of the chamber that matters, but the purpose of the heart. For those who seek the Christ with diligence and reverence, even the wilderness shall be a place of wonder, and every lodging a step toward the glory of God revealed.

So it was in the days of old, and so it shall be for all who still follow the Light.