Magi

By Pastor Paul Gauche

Today’s Word: ‘Magi’ as in… those ancient travelers who arrived in Bethlehem later.

Much later.

The Nativity scene that was part of the Christmas decorations in my home always included the Magi, a.k.a. Three Kings, Three Wise Men. I placed them just outside the stable with their camels. They stood waiting, ready to present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They waited for their opportunity to peer into the manger. What would they say? What would they do? Would they hold the baby? How would they describe the gifts they brought?

Scholars tell us that the Magi didn’t arrive until sometime later, much later. Biblical historians place them in Bethlehem almost two years after the birth of Jesus. By then, it seems, Jesus was gone, long gone.

But they came anyway.

They entered Bethlehem with all who traveled with them, asking, “Where is the place? Then, arriving at the Inn, they ask the Innkeeper, “Is this The Place?”

“No…” they are told.

“Then where?” they ask.

Moments later, they are standing in the stable where the Christ child was born. And at that very moment, the one who is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace is fully present with them.

This story is meant to invite us to consider how Christ meets us where we are. He is continually present to fulfill the ancient/future promise to be God with us, God for us.

Each of us is invited to consider the beautiful mystery of Christ’s presence with us, in us, right here, right now. The Magi, the kings, the three wise men, and all who traveled with them discovered where the human and the holy came together. Where does that happen for you?

The Magi, the kings, the three wise men, and all who traveled with them came to the place where the love of the Creator became flesh and blood to live among us. How do you experience that in your life?

And then, almost as quickly as they had come, they were on their way again.

In much the same way, we are too.

#100days50words

Paul Gauche is the Pastor of Life Transitions at Prince of Peace. His posts are part of his #100days50words project, where he blogs about a different word each week. You can follow his project on Instagram (@pgauche) or his blog, Thriving Rhythms.