Why are the wise men important to the Christian story?

Jesus came for all people and all nations. From his birth, Christ is celebrated by heavenly angels, lowly shepherds, and even pagan astrologers from the East—the Magi. Jesus is already gathering the tribes of Israel and beginning his work of outreach to the world.

The Magi and their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are foreshadowed from Isaiah's prophecy (Is 60:1-6).  Gold for his royalty, frankincense for his priesthood, and myrrh for his death. Strange gifts for a baby, but these gifts point towards Jesus' destiny of facing down death and emerging victoriously.  

The Magi don't return to the paranoid and murderous King Herod after they encountered Christ; "they departed for their country by another way" (Matt 2:12). When we have experienced the love and reality of Christ, we are forever changed and we all leave "by another way."  May we all be pierced and renewed by this love of God!