Wise Men from the East
Artist: Agha Bezhad
(Iran, 1894-c.1968)
Interpreter: Mona Bagasao-Cave
Magi — wise ones — from the East march erect and somber across Renaissance canvases, across table tops as items in crèche sets, and across church chancels masquerading as children in bath robes, stiffly offering their homage of precious gifts. Perhaps one of the typical three would be on bended knee; this posture signaling gravity, formality.
The East, we were taught, was Persia. Modern-day Persia is Iran. So here at last is a depiction of the Magi by one of their own. Here at last are worshipers all on their knees, leaning in to be nearer the baby king they have sought. Here they kneel with decorum cast aside, eyes intent on the child, down at his level. Even Joseph looks on with seeming surprise at the three visitors jostling to be close to the child Mary has borne.
Perhaps artist Agha Bezhad's own experiences with alcohol and opium, with hopelessness and loneliness, allowed him to portray the Magi as awed and humbled by a baby they knew to be the Promise of Ages. Just as Bezhad started over after his rehabilitation and coming to Christ, perhaps he understood that these three would start over after their encounter with the baby who would grow into the Savior of humankind.
A wise man from the East, Bezhad reminds us all that we have opportunity to start over every time we fall to our knees in front of Christ.
From The Upper Room daily devotional guide, January/February 2010. Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room. All Rights Reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
To order copies of the current issue, call 1-800-972-0433 or 615-340-7284. To subscribe to The Upper Room, click here.
