Why the Wise Men Aren’t at My Nativity (And What the Bible Actually Says)

How is it already December? Thanksgiving came and went in a blink. We already celebrated our first family Christmas last week, and I finally sat down long enough to breathe. Somehow the house is decorated, the gift list is shrinking, and we’re officially in full Christmas mode.

My youngest is always ready to decorate—she’d have the tree up in October if I allowed it. My 14-year-old, meanwhile, made sure to remind me that I’m highly particular about the lights, ornaments, and stocking placement.

I mean… there is a right way to do these things, and it just happens to be mine.

Just kidding. (Kind of.)

But the thing I’m most particular about? The nativity set.

We have two nativity scenes—one is the “adult” version, meaning: breakable. The other is the kid version I bought years ago so they could rearrange all the pieces without giving me a panic attack. But every year, I enforce one rule:

The wise men are NOT allowed at the manger.

Because biblically… they weren’t there.

So instead of parking them next to baby Jesus on day one, we place them somewhere else in the house—sometimes on top of the refrigerator, sometimes behind the TV, and this year they’re hiding out on a windowsill, apparently still on their journey.

A quick Bible refresher: the wise men (Magi) show up later in the story, likely months—possibly even a year or more—after Jesus’ birth. Matthew 2 tells us they visited Jesus in a house, not a stable. They followed the star and arrived sometime after His birth… which is why my poor Magi will always be wandering around the house until at least January.

This week’s challenge:

Don’t take my word for it—read the Christmas story for yourself. Fact-check me. Look at what the Bible actually says and let it speak to you.

Scripture references:

• Luke 2:1–20 — The birth of Jesus

• Matthew 2:1–12 — The visit of the Magi

Let the story bring you back to Jesus right in the middle of the busy, the fun, and the chaos. When life feels full, He’s still worth slowing down for.

Make Monday Matter by taking a few quiet minutes to read it.

Want more short devotionals to inspire your week? Check out Make Monday Matter here.