This Christmas season, God has placed the 3 wisemen on my heart. I have so much to say and have contemplated what parts of the story God is calling me to share. I think I start with what is sitting with me. There is SO much wonder surrounding the birth of Jesus, what the world was like at that time, and for me - the way God keeps reminding me of this story. I have literally had moments to reflect on this (at least) daily, since the beginning of Advent.
What sits with me is how research, folklore, and stories, passed down through the generations, tell us a few important things. Most of this is not scripture, but helps us to fill in the probable gaps that we aren't told in scripture. One that has really stayed with me these last few weeks is that each wiseman was likely coming from a different location.
From Babylon to Jerusalem it was 550-600 miles, likely taking 1-2 months of travel. From Persia to Jerusalem it was 900-1,000 miles, taking 2-3 months of travel time, and from Arabia to Jerusalem 150-200 miles, taking 1-2 weeks. Three separate wisemen from three separate regions, all a student of the stars. They had, most likely, spent the majority of their lives learning, studying, testing, and pondering the heavens. Somehow (The Holy Spirit (in my humble opinion))....these three wise and studied men, likely relied on by kings and leaders in their own countries, converged together to search for the King of the Jews. They would have also well-versed in philosophies and the scriptures of the world.
They came bearing gifts fit for a worldly king. They had NO IDEA what to expect, except a young child. As they traveled to Jerusalem, their most logical stop would have been to meet with King Herod - Roman empire appointed "King of the Jews." IMAGINE a king that had already been "King" for over 3 decades is met by three wisemen from far-away lands. They would have arrived with caravans (protection, food, supplies, etc.) for the long journey. They arrived at the most logical place, yet did NOT find the newly born King of the Jews. What they did next has also left me in wonder.
All of the events that lead to the birth of Jesus, the protection of the child, the divine guidance, the fulfillment of prophecy have left me in awe. It has given me a different glimpse of how The Holy Spirit works in our lives. At any given moment The Holy Spirit encouraged the same feeling, the same nudge, to make groups of people act. HE STILL DOES THAT! Also.....think of how many people witnessed this amazing journey. Can you imagine the stories of all of those that were part of the wisemen's caravan? Can you imagine the stories of those that saw this caravan ride into Jerusalem looking for a King no one there had met yet?
What I have really rested in the last couple weeks are all the choices that were made. Remember, we have ALWAYS had freewill. In the story of Jesus's birth and early life, I am reminded that each of these key people made a choice. Those choices made all the difference. It proves that God knows our hearts. It proves that God intervenes when we need more reassurances. There were SO many opportunities for Mary & Joseph to give up. There were opportunities for the wisemen to go back to Herod. There were NUMEROUS opportunities for them to turn around OR never even set out on the journey. Meditating on the wisemen and the role and wonder of their appearance in scripture has given me this new perspective, that will never leave me.
To think this all started when I was brainstorming my Christmas Decorations for the local Christmas Decorating Contest. I had some stiff competition this year, so I wanted to create something interactive. If you have a moment (& you are local/semi-local) I ENCOURAGE you to stop by the Buck Up Headquarters at: 115 East Thigpen, in Carmine, TX. It is a little green building (once a doctor's office.) Be sure to read the BIG sign and then all 3 of the gift signs.
I invite you to approach the manger of Jesus. Follow the star and meditate on the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Ponder the symbolism. BE SURE TO TAKE THE APPROPRIATE GIFT, based on the fine print. :)
This has been a WONDERFUL Christmas season for us. It has been filled with ADVENTure, new friends, old friends, family, growth, fellowship, & SO FULL of Jesus and things He's hoped for, for us. As you enjoy your people, remember the chaotic and challenging entrance of Jesus's birth AND also....the incredible blessing of them having all they needed for their journey.
