Wise Men Still Seeking Jesus
The Christmas story is a profound reminder of God’s love and light reaching out to all people through the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. It is an invitation to reflect on the transformative power of divine light (Prakash) and grace (Kirpa) as revealed through the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Through Scripture, we can explore the deeper meaning of Christmas and the nativity.
Matthew 2:1-2
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'”
The story of the wise men, or Magi, reflects the universal human longing for divine truth. Guided by the light of a star, they undertook a journey to worship the newborn King. The three Magi—named as Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar in Western Christian tradition —represent diverse cultures across Arabia, Persia, and India coming together under God’s Prakash (divine light) that illuminates the path for all those seeking spiritual truth. In Sikh thought, Prakash represents God’s presence and guidance, dispelling ignorance and leading to wisdom. Similarly, the star that led the Magi points to the ultimate Prakash—the light of Christ—who came to reveal God’s truth to the world. Just as Hukam (God’s divine will) directs the journey of the faithful, the Magi followed God’s light, demonstrating how those who sincerely seek Him are drawn closer to His truth.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Christmas represents God’s boundless love and the ultimate expression of Kirpa (Grace) for humanity, revealed through the gift of Jesus Christ as the source of eternal life. This grace is freely given through Jesus Christ, who came to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Unlike the concept of earning salvation through the merit of good works, Jesus offers this gift as an act of unmerited Grace (Kirpa). This divine Grace provides the human heart’s deepest longing for connection with the Holy Creator and provides the assurance of eternal life. This verse invites us to reflect on how divine love serves as the ultimate source of hope and renewal, inspiring lives of gratitude and spiritual fulfillment.
Colossians 1:15-17
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
This passage reveals Jesus Christ as the visible image of God and the Creator of all things. Sikh thought recognizes God as the Creator (Karta Purakh), the source of all life. However, in Christ, we see the Creator not only as transcendent but as personal and relational, entering into creation to guide and redeem it.
This truth fulfills the universal desire to understand the Creator’s nature and purpose, revealing that all things were made through and for Him.
John 1:9-12
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
This Scripture speaks of Christ as the true Prakash, the light that gives spiritual clarity and guidance to everyone. In Sikh teachings, Prakash is often associated with enlightenment and the divine wisdom that removes darkness from the soul. Similarly, Christ’s light illuminates the hearts of all who accept Him, transforming their lives and making them children of God. His light is not merely symbolic but deeply personal, leading to a relationship with the Creator. This Scripture invites reflection on how embracing divine light and truth fosters a transformative relationship with the Creator.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
This verse reveals how God’s Word (Shabad) took on human form in the person of Jesus Christ, bringing Kirpa (Grace) and truth to the world. In Sikh thought, the eternal Shabad (Word) is revered as divine wisdom, the Creator that guides individuals toward liberation. Similarly, Christ, as the Word (Shabad) made flesh, embodies God’s wisdom and Kirpa, offering humanity a pathway to reconciliation with the Creator.
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
God’s Word (Bible) is powerful and transformative, bringing clarity and truth to the deepest parts of the human soul. The imagery of the double-edged sword resonates with the Sikh Khanda Kirpan, symbolizing divine justice and truth that cuts through ignorance. The Word of God (Bible) pierces through confusion, guiding individuals to live in alignment with divine truth.
Isaiah 9:2
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
This verse celebrates the arrival of Christ as the light (Prakash) that overcomes darkness. In Sikh thought, Prakash symbolizes God’s presence, bringing enlightenment and spiritual clarity. The word guru means someone who brings you from darkness to light (enlightenment). Jesus Christ is the Satguru (True Guru), the ultimate light that dispels the darkness of sin and despair. His coming into the world offers hope and renewal to all who seek Him.
This verse underscores the belief that divine light shines even in the darkest moments, illuminating the path toward truth and freedom. Reflecting on this scripture reminds us that God’s light (Prakash) through the Satguru Jesus is a constant source of hope and renewal, inspiring peace and clarity even during life’s struggles leading to liberation.
An Invitation
If you are seeking deeper peace, joy, and the assurance of God’s love, we invite you to learn more about Jesus Christ, the true source of Prakash and Kirpa. Join us at Punjabi Masihi Church for prayer, reflection, and discussions about the one Creator God who invites all people to know Him personally.
| Contact Us: Punjabi Masihi Church 14488 72nd Ave, Surrey BC, V3S 2E7 |
Office Hours Tuesday to Friday 9:00AM to 3:00PM |
Phone Number 604 590 2032 |
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Further Reading
| LIGHT OF THE SATGURU: GOOD NEWS FOR SIKHS By Jasvir Singh Basi Paperback – Feb. 12, 2022 https://www.amazon.ca/Light-Satguru-Good-News-Sikhs/dp/1734662905 |
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| CHRISTMAS IN CALIFORNIA Sundar Shadi, a Sikh immigrant from Punjab, India, profoundly impacted the El Cerrito, California, community through his inclusive holiday displays. Arriving in the U.S. in 1921 to study horticulture at UC Berkeley, Shadi faced employment challenges due to racial discrimination. Undeterred, he pursued various jobs, eventually owning multiple gas stations. In 1949, Shadi began creating elaborate holiday scenes on his hillside property, starting with a single star and expanding to a Bethlehem representation with over 120 handcrafted figures, including camels, wise men, and shepherds. His displays, made from materials like papier-mâché and chicken wire, became a cherished community tradition, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Despite not being Christian, Shadi viewed his work as a gift to the community, embodying universal themes of joy and unity. After his passing in 2002, local volunteers continued his legacy, ensuring the display remains a beloved part of El Cerrito's holiday celebrations. https://www.sikhchic.com/people/sundar_singh_shadis_christmas_pageant_in_el_cerrito_california https://youtu.be/2R-N6YLhUTw |
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