Like Wise!

Dec 2009 Issue

By Krista Ralston Oakes
Our family collects nativity scenes, and each one that we possess contains a common anachronism: the wise men. Complete with camels, fine robes, and gifts, they stand near the shepherds and lambs in these beloved displays of tribute around the manger.

The scriptures suggest that the wise men were not actually present with the shepherds at the manger, but that they came later to the “young boy” after recognizing the signs of his birth and traveling a great distance from the East. Although our nativity scenes may not be historically accurate, the inclusion of the wise men offers a reminder that we should also be wise as we anticipate the Savior’s return.

These wise men anticipated the birth of Jesus Christ. They had studied the writings of the prophets, and knew that he would be born somewhere in Bethlehem. They knew what signs would precede his coming.

When they saw the signs, they sought diligently for Jesus. When they found him, they rejoiced and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Before finding Jesus, they encountered King Herod, who asked them under false pretenses to report the child’s whereabouts once they had found him.
But being warned in a dream, these wise men were not deceived, and went home another way. (See Matthew 2.)

We can likewise (think “Like Wise”) prepare ourselves in these latter days, as we anticipate the Savior’s return to the earth. The timing of this event is yet unknown. However, we do know that at some point He will either come to us, or we will come to Him. Even if the Savior’s return does not happen in our lifetime, we should be wise in our preparations for this reunion.

The wise men studied the writings of the prophets in order to know what to look for, and how to respond. We can likewise study and follow the writings of prophets — both ancient and modern.
“That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (Timothy 3:15). Our scriptures provide us with key doctrines, and our modern prophets provide vital guidance for our day, so that we may recognize the important signs of these times, and respond appropriately. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning” (Proverbs 1:5).

We are also warned that many will be deceived in these latter days. The wise men were not deceived by Herod, having had access to personal revelation. We can likewise avoid deception by living our daily lives in a manner consistent with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and by consistently obeying spiritual promptings.

The wise men brought gifts to honor the young Savior. We can likewise prepare our gifts. These should include broken hearts and contrite spirits, and a willingness to keep his commandments. We can also prepare gifts of service, for “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

Moroni implores, “Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God (Mormon 9:28).

As we act “Like Wise” in our preparations for our reunion with the Savior, we are not only emulating the wise men represented in nativity scenes, but we are also emulating the wise virgins spoken of in Matthew Chapter 25, who were prepared to meet the bridegroom:

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps…And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

“Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut…Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

“O be wise; what can I say more?” (Jacob 6:12)