The Magi: Nonviolent Heroes of the Nativity Story
By Sami Awad, Co-Director, Nonviolence International
As we enter this Christmas season, we are once again drawn to the story of the birth of Jesus—a story rich with symbols of hope, resilience, and divine intervention. Among the many figures in the nativity narrative, the Magi hold a unique and often overlooked place. Their journey, actions, and choices provide us with a profound model of nonviolent resistance and solidarity. Reflecting on their role in light of my own journey of nonviolent activism, I see the Magi as embodying two critical principles of the work we must do in the face of tyranny and injustice: seeking truth through courageous acts of solidarity and engagement and refusing to cooperate with systems of oppression.
The Magi, or wise men from the East, were scholars, seekers, and perhaps political emissaries. They saw the star that signaled the birth of a new king and undertook a dangerous journey into occupied territories to find and honor him. Their mission was not driven by personal ambition or political gain; they were not seeking an alliance with power. Instead, they were engaged in a deeply spiritual quest, one rooted in the search for truth and the recognition of a transformative moment in human history.
In their journey, the Magi demonstrated what I see as the essence of nonviolent activism: a willingness to cross boundaries, confront danger, and stand in solidarity with those who are oppressed. They traveled far, entering unfamiliar and likely hostile territory, not to impose their agenda but to learn, witness, and offer their support. This was, in its essence, a fact-finding mission. They were seeking the child born under extraordinary circumstances, the one prophesied to be the Prince of Peace.
This resonates deeply with the work of nonviolent activists today. When we engage in solidarity with marginalized communities, we too embark on fact-finding and protective missions. We listen to stories, witness the struggles of others, and seek to understand the deeper truths of their experiences. The Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not just symbolic offerings but acts of nonviolent action beginning with the courage to bear witness, to honor the humanity of those they encounter, and support them in times of need.
The second act of the Magi’s story is perhaps even more striking. Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, they were summoned by King Herod, a paranoid and oppressive ruler who sought to use them for his own ends. Herod feigned interest in the birth of the child, asking the Magi to report back to him so he could “worship” the newborn king. But Herod’s true intentions were sinister: he saw Jesus as a threat to his power and rule, and planned to eliminate him.
The Magi’s response to Herod reveals their deep integrity and courage. After visiting the child and presenting their gifts, they did not return to Herod. Instead of complying with his request, they chose a different path, literally and figuratively. They left for their own country by another route, effectively boycotting Herod and refusing to cooperate with his oppressive plans.
This act of defiance is a powerful example of nonviolent resistance. The Magi did not confront Herod directly or engage in a physical battle against his authority. Instead, they undermined his power by refusing to be complicit in his schemes. Their decision to disobey Herod’s orders protected the child and disrupted the oppressive system that sought to maintain control through violence and fear.
In our own struggles against systems of injustice, the Magi’s actions remind us of the power of non-cooperation. Whether it is through boycotts, civil disobedience, or other forms of nonviolent resistance, we can choose not to participate in systems that perpetuate oppression. This refusal to comply with injustice is not passive; it is an active and courageous choice that challenges the legitimacy of oppressive powers.
The Magi’s journey speaks to us today in various ways. As we look at the wars and injustices in our world, from Palestine to communities across the globe, we see the need for fact-finding missions and acts of solidarity. We are called to step out of our comfort zones, to cross boundaries, and to seek the truth—not for our own gain, but to support those who are fighting for justice and peace.
We are also called to resist the Herods of our time. Whether they take the form of political regimes, economic systems, or societal norms that perpetuate inequality and violence, these modern-day Herods rely on our compliance to maintain their power. The Magi’s quiet but resolute refusal to return to Herod challenges us to examine our own complicity and find ways to withdraw our support from systems of oppression.
This Christmas, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus—the Prince of Peace—let us remember the Magi not just as wise men bearing gifts, but as courageous unarmed civilian protecting activists who embodied the principles of nonviolent resistance. Their journey reminds us that the work of justice and peace begins with a commitment to truth and a refusal to cooperate with injustice. It is a journey that requires courage, humility, and faith, but it is also one that has the power to change the world.
May we, like the Magi, follow the star of hope and light, trusting wherever it leads us, and may we find in their story the inspiration to engage in our own acts of nonviolent activism this Christmas season and beyond. We all are the Magi: Are you ready to follow in their footsteps on your spiritual journey?
