The events surrounding Jesus’ birth was so intricate that it could not have been fabricated. The involvement from Joseph and Mary to the angels announcing the birth to lowly shepherds and the Wisemen coming from the East creates a symphony of God’s sovereignty.

In Luke 2, we gain more insight into the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. It’s a common misconception that the Wisemen and the shepherds converged at the manger together, as seen in every Nativity scene, but this is inaccurate. They all appeared, just at different times.

The opening statement in Luke describes the appearance of the Wisemen by saying, “Now after Jesus was born,” indicating that some time has transpired since the visit by the shepherds.

Most likely, it was between one to two years since Jesus’ birth. At this point, Joseph and Mary are no longer finding shelter in a manger but are now in a home.  

Historically speaking, Wisemen were advisors to kings because of their acquisition and pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. So this raises the question. Where did they come from, and how were they so familiar with the prophecies regarding the birth of Jesus?

In the book of Daniel, we read how Daniel was taken captive when the Babylonian empire conquered Jerusalem. He was then commissioned for training so he could serve the king.

When Daniel is the only one who can interpret the king’s dreams, we are told, “Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.” Daniel 2:48

As those under Daniel became jealous of him, they devise a scheme that forces the king to throw Daniel into a lion’s den, which means sure death. Lions have to eat!

But the following day, the king, devastated at the thought of Daniel’s death, runs to the lion’s den only to discover that he is alive. King Darius says,

“²⁶I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. ²⁸So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” Daniel 6:26, 28

As a result of this decree, Daniel gained unparalleled influence!

Never shrink back from your faith when you appear outnumbered or overmatched or when things go in the opposite direction than what you envisioned. Instead, choose to honor God and walk in obedience, and He will make your paths straight.

In Daniel 9, Daniel receives a prophecy about the birth of the Messiah. Undoubtedly, this would have been communicated and passed down from Daniel to the Wisemen for generations.

This truth combined with Numbers 24:17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel,” this would have been enough information for them to search out the promised King.

Daniel’s life is further evidence of how God works out all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. God redeemed the time in captivity by elevating Daniel in position and authority and planting seeds of faith in the Babylonian culture.

God is at work in your life even when;

• You can’t SEE Him.
• You can’t HEAR Him.
• You can’t FEEL Him.

The Christmas story is a reminder to remain hopeful and faithful, as God coordinates the positive and negative circumstances of life to work out for your good.

God is setting the stage for your future, and your endurance and obedience pave the way for a better day!