The Wise Men

By M.R. Pearson

How did the Wise Men follow a star in the East, and also come from the East as recorded in the Bible? This is the directional conflict that is resolved by ancient visitors to a little town during the Christmas season. The story begins with a reading of the nativity in the book of Matthew, and ends with the identification of the Wise Men from afar.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.R. Pearson
• Release date: Dec 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311614933

M.R. Pearson

M.R. Pearson is an avid reader of religious literature. His favorite books include the Scriptures along with many of the writings of A.W. Tozer. He is the father of 5 wonderful and gifted children and has been married to a very patient and long-suffering wife for over 35 years.

Book preview

THE WISE MEN

By

M.R. Pearson

A Note from the Author

It is important for the reader to have some minor knowledge of the events, genealogy, and timelines of The Book of Mormon to comprehend and appreciate this account. All people are encouraged to search the deeper concepts embedded in the pages of the Book of Mormon which is a true and accurate translation of a small portion of gold plates delivered to the Prophet Joseph Smith by an angel known as Moroni.

This book is dedicated to my sister Lynette. The world does not deserve her. She is the reason my simple thoughts found their way out of the desk drawer. She is charity embodied. I will be forever grateful for her encouragement and love.

Introduction

The story of the birth of Jesus the Christ has been the foundation of Christmas Eve celebrations for generations. It is a story of hope, love, faith, and redemption. That the Christ child was born over 2000 years ago no longer dwindles in question. He was born. He did fulfill all prophecy. He was the promised Messiah.

Isaiah 9:6

6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

I have pondered vigorously the events surrounding the birth of the Savior of mankind. My initial questions have been settled long ago in my own mind with the exception of the conundrum of the Magi;

-Who were they really?

-Perhaps they were pagan astrologers or scripturally astute men of God who were passionately stirred as prophets of old on a mission of testimony and worship.

-Are their names accurately cited in our current legends?

-Could it be true that their relics are found in wonderful coffins and Cathedrals?

In Cologne, Germany, there is a highly revered shrine. Many believers maintain that it is the final resting place of the Magi. Folklore persists of how they ended up in this meticulously preserved resting place. The names of these highly acclaimed worshippers have been summoned through oral tradition as Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar. They are speculated to have been kings of India, Chaldea, and Persia. Mythologies of this type will abound for years to come. Zealots will grasp these legends with tremendous tenacity while the apathy ridden conscience of others will thrust the truths of Christ’s mission and the events of his birth into a personal oblivion in a feeble attempt to soothe the open wounds of guilt and apostasy.

We are blessed to have a few reliable details of this miracle. There are, however, parts of the narrative upon which authors have sprinkled a little spice on the facts, and seasoned reality with conjecture. These liberties combined with the genuine detail, predictably produce a gulf between truth and fiction into which fools such as I plunge head first. It is a plunge into the chasm pertaining to the Wise Men that became the genesis of this book.

So as my pen meets paper to record forever the events heretofore related, I am keenly aware that the decision to share my story will take the reader on yet another journey where fact meets fiction and reason jousts with skepticism. Still, at this season of the year, with intent to provide yet another Christmas story, I make the attempt with full knowledge that these notions are my own responsibility. I claim nothing more than the time of those who choose to read my meandering thoughts and proceed with my tale.

Chapter 1

Matthew 2:1-2

1. 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,

2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?