On January 6, Christians celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord. The account of the Magi following the star to visit Jesus with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh teaches us that salvation through Jesus is revealed to all people. Here are seven more things I learned from this event recorded in Matthew chapter 2.

Even after consulting seminary professors, Greek lexicons, and Hebrew dictionaries, I still don’t know whether to say “mey-jahy” or “madge-eye.” A thoughtful friend suggested, “Just call them wise men.”

Their profession (studying the stars) opened possibilities for their faith. Don’t limit what God can do for you or others through your work.

Even the stars bow down to Jesus. All creation worships him.

Foreign Magi working in a pagan setting knew about a king of the Jews because some believer at some time had the courage to say something to someone about God’s promise to send a Savior. You never know where your witnessing will lead. Say something to someone today.

They worshiped Jesus. Not people, places, or things.

Maybe we call the men wise because they stopped and asked for directions. And they listened. What directions does God have for you if you’d only stop, ask, and listen to the guidance he has in his Word (which, according to 2 Peter 1:19, is your personal guiding star)?

Jews today who are still waiting for a messiah should know that their own religious leaders pointed the Magi to Bethlehem to find the Messiah.