The three wise men: a festive story of timeless wisdom
As the festive season gets underway, we often reflect on stories that have stood the test of time. One such story is that of the three wise men, or magi, who are reported to have followed a star to find and honour the newborn baby Jesus. Their journey is more than a biblical tale; it’s testament to the power of wisdom in its many forms.
The magi were learned individuals, often regarded as scholars or advisors in their Eastern kingdoms. While their exact origins are debated – some suggest Persia, Babylon, or Arabia – they shared a profound expertise in astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. Their title as “wise” was well-earned, reflecting their ability to combine intellectual skill, thoughtful exploration, and keen awareness in pursuit of a greater purpose.
They were considered wise for several reasons, including these three valuable qualities:
- Their knowledge: the magi’s wisdom began with their understanding of the stars. As experts in astronomy, they recognised the significance of the bright star and used their knowledge to guide their journey westward. This scientific expertise, combined with their experience, exemplifies the power of learning and applying what we know to navigate challenges.
- Their curiosity: the magi’s journey was driven by curiosity. They didn’t stop at noticing the star—they asked deeper questions: What does this mean? Who or what does it represent? Their willingness to explore the unknown, and step out of their comfort zone, exemplifies how curiosity fuels growth and discovery.
- Their observation: throughout their journey, the magi demonstrated a keen ability to observe and interpret the world around them. They were not only attuned to celestial signs but also to human dynamics. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, they are reported to have sought guidance from King Herod, demonstrating their attentiveness to political landscapes as well as the spiritual significance of their mission. Their careful observation ensured they followed the star to Bethlehem, where they are said to have presented their famous gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
These pillars of wisdom – knowledge, curiosity, and observation – are as relevant today as they were over 2,000 years ago. They remind us that wisdom is not static; it grows through learning, questioning, and paying attention to the world around us.
At Juniper, we believe that wisdom is a community effort. It’s about sharing, learning, and amplifying ideas to benefit everyone. As we head toward the holiday season and into the new year, we’re inspired by the three wise men to reflect on how we can cultivate wisdom in our personal and professional lives.
A festive season quiz: test your wisdom
This December, we’re bringing the timeless wisdom of the magi into focus with a fun and engaging ‘Wisdom Quiz’ on LinkedIn, starting Monday 9 December! Over three days, we’ll explore these pillars of wisdom – knowledge, curiosity, and observation – through thought-provoking questions designed to inspire reflection and spark conversation. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season while tapping into the collective wisdom of our community.
Mark your calendar for Monday, December 9, and stay tuned for the quiz on LinkedIn. Let’s share the gift of wisdom!
Looking ahead to 2025: a wisdom webinar
The journey doesn’t end with the quiz! We’re excited to kick off 2025 with a ‘Wisdom Webinar’ (well, Teams call, but Teams doesn’t begin with ‘W’) in January, that dives deeper into the themes of knowledge, curiosity, and observation. Together, we’ll explore how these pillars can help us grow, both as individuals and as a community, in the year ahead.
Sign up for 45-minutes of insights, sharing and discussion on Friday 24 January @ 12pm GMT. If yu would like to attend, comment on our LinkedIn post or email Grace, grace.mcguire@thejuniperco.co.uk.
The story of the magi reminds us that wisdom is more than knowledge – it’s the ability to act on what we know, remain curious about what we don’t, and stay observant to the world around us. Together, let’s amplify and share wisdom as we embark on a new year of growth and possibility.
Always shining a light
Just as the three wise men followed the shining star to guide their journey, we too can find direction by seeking out wisdom and insight. Our Juniper blog library is filled with valuable articles and resources designed to shine a light on important topics, such as personal development, leadership, strategy and change, helping you navigate challenges and discover new opportunities in today’s world. Explore our collection to gain knowledge and inspiration that can guide your path forward. View the Juniper blog library here, https://www.thejuniperco.co.uk/blog .