We sometimes unthinkingly subscribe to legends. When we see something beautiful oftentimes we want to tinsel it up, give it a makeover, and that is what has happened to the incredibly beautiful and amazing story of the first Christmas. We imported Saint Nicholas, a believer from a later century, made nativity scenes with the wise men from the East added in for good measure. But it was a special star that made its appearance at the time of Christ’s birth, and inspired the long trek of the Magi. Their discernment of time made the timetable for Herod’s massacre of all the little babies two years and under in his horrific madness to destroy the King of kings threat to the earthly reign of tyrants.
But God’s ways are not our ways and His ways are past finding out through man’s logic and wisdom. Herod’s plan was thwarted, God’s plan moved forward. The wise men came and visited, giving costly gifts to Christ, not at the manger , but sometime later, their obedience to God’s message gave time for the important escape from danger. The babe moved safely to Egypt through Joseph’s faithful attention to the prophetic dreams given him.
And a star shone brightly in the sky giving the announcement to the creation of this important event : the Savior was born!
Scripture reading for today: Matthew 2
Jesse ornament: a shining star
Were there three wise men, or more? Tradition says three, but likely there was an entourage, and it remains unknown the number or exact origin of these visitors who came to worship the Jewish Messiah.
What was the nature of the star? That, too, is not quite known, but it served its purpose in time and guided those who were watching for just such a thing. Alerted by the scriptures, we too, are to be watching for signposts of where God is directing us. We may know only that we are looking for more of the Savior, but our faith pulls us towards heaven, to worship at the place where Our Savior, Jesus, is waiting.
A favorite Christmas song for this time is “The Little Drummer Boy” because it reminds us of the truth that it is the gift of our heart, and our efforts to please Him, that are most treasured by Christ Jesus.
Little Drummer Boy: Lyrics
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
