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Matthew 2:1-12
Something spectacular took place when Jesus was born and the world knew it. We read of stars shining brightly, angels singing, shepherds quaking, and wise men, kings from the far corners of the earth, journeying to view the child born in the humblest of circumstances who was destined for greatness.
The world anticipated his birth long before it took place. Prophets and psalmists wrote about the savior God would send. They envisioned a king, someone royal, triumphant, mighty and powerful. Instead, they got a baby, a boy who grew into a man of compassion and wisdom, a holy man — a man of God. He didn’t crave power or glory. Instead, he healed the sick and sought out ordinary people, often those ignored if not shunned by the ruling class of the day.
I love the story of the magi, wise men sometimes referred to as kings, told in today’s gospel and have always included them as much as possible in my Christmas decorations. They signify diversity. They came from faraway lands, and were exotic in their manner and dress. They brought precious gifts, knowing this birth was extraordinary.
In the background of the story is the fraught, paranoid leader, King Herod. He craves power, and when he hears of the birth of a child many thought was destined to become King of the Jews, he panics. As the story goes, he lies to the three wise men, traveling to honor the newborn child. He fears this child and eventually goes to great lengths in an attempt to destroy him.
Reading today’s gospel, I found myself drawn to Herold. His lust for power, while a story of antiquity, is also a story of our time. We observe leaders who are determined to seek revenge and protect their interests, willing to go to great lengths to pursue these aims. They ignore others' suffering and seek to enrich themselves. History is full of their stories.
Given current events, it would be easy to focus on Herod, but that serves no good purpose. We are blessed with the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus, the story of shepherds and kings, wise men and women, who recognized its significance.
As this season comes to a close, let us lean deeply into the story of the birth that changed the world. Let us be like the three kings, the wise men, who set out on a journey seeking Jesus.
Peace,
Anne
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