After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

History tells us these foreigners came from a distant land because they have been studying the prophecies and the stars and they know the star of the King has appeared.  It was a costly journey – caravans, servants, food, maps – all to come to see the King of the Jews and to worship him. It was probably a journey of two years from the time they first saw the star and made the commitment of life and money, until they arrived with gifts for the King.

Ironically, it is Jesus’ gift to us through salvation that opens the way so that we may come to worship.