January 6th

The big news in our neck of the woods just before Christmas, was an emergency bridge closure on a heavily traveled road. The bridge, which was in terrible disrepair, would be "closed indefinitely," it was announced. For two weeks people were losing their minds over the detour. They didn't suddenly get over it-- no pun intended --the bridge reopened as quickly as it was shut down. Business as usual. No more detour.

For those of us in the United States, the significance of January 6th has taken a detour from the Christian calendar. Rather than observances of Three Kings Day, we are inundated with updates on subpoenas and rulings and insurrection. Just for a moment, I'd ask you to hop back on the main road, and look with me at the events that have been celebrated on that date for centuries. Matthew records them in his Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12).

Most scholars believe Jesus was about two years old when the star brought wise men (magi) from the East to Bethlehem. These magi, or kings as some traditions state, began asking around until word of their search reached Herod the king. Verse 3 says he was "troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." I guess if Herod ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. So, the king sent for his advisors and wise men, then secretly summoned the visiting magi to see if their stories lined up. All the evidence was there: this Child that was born in Bethlehem was the King, the Ruler and Shepherd of Israel. Herod made a request of the magi:

Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.

Verse 9 records their response: 

When they heard the king, they departed;

They heard him. There doesn't seem to be any further discussion or agreement. I realize the absence of a record doesn't mean the absence of a commitment, but The Complete Jewish Bible says, "After they had listened to the king;" almost as though they listened politely, but weren't very interested in him. The Amplified Bible says, "they went their way;" as though they would not be rerouted from their purpose. When they reached the place where the star stood still, they were filled with joy. They went into the house, found Jesus with His mother, Mary, fell on their faces, and worshipped, presenting the Christ child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

You know, you can learn a lot from a wise man (or three). Single-minded and undeterred from their search, they made the long journey to find their one true King. They rejoiced at finding Him. They humbled themselves and worshipped Him. They gave Him precious gifts. How often do the things of this life distract us from keeping our hearts and minds focused on our one true King? How often do those things take His place in our schedules or our giving? How often do we take the time to just rejoice at the presence of Christ in our world today (or do we spend way too much time lamenting the way "today's generation" conducts itself)? When presented with the choice of doing something for ourselves or sacrificing that others might know the King of kings, what do we choose? Have we given Him the most precious gift we can give: a heart surrendered, fixated on His will for this world, willing to do whatever He calls us to do?

The magi were warned by an angel not to return to Herod. They obeyed, and this time chose the detour towards home. Tomorrow, I hope you spend a few moments thinking about the lessons that can be gained from January 6th-- the one recorded in Matthew. And I pray nothing would distract you from your journey to worship the King with all you have.