Day 12: The Journey of the Magi
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”
When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote:
You, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah,
because from you will come one who governs,
who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.
Matthew 2:1-12 CEB
Herod had no intentions of honoring the newborn king. Kings don’t like competition! King Herod was troubled, as was everyone in Jerusalem. The magi were not troubled, although they went to a lot of trouble to travel and honor the newborn. They brought gifts too.
I find this remarkable. The story says these magi were from another country – and yet they travel far to pay homage to one who is not their own. I imagine these magi made a series of life choices to arrive at a place in life where they could empty themselves for the purpose of showing up and bringing gifts to a child.
Who is the most vulnerable and weakest friend, acquaintance or enemy you know? How might you extend yourself in a way that offers them a gift? Maybe they are not a person who is someone you feel safe around - can you pray from afar? Can you love, expecting nothing in return? It’s ok if the answer is no, because God’s love is not dependent on your behavior or even your attitude. But it might be something to think about as you move toward a new year with perhaps new desires and goals for your life.
