Monday, January 6, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Matthew 2:1–12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (NRSV)

Reflection

Were the Zoroastrian priesthood to time-travel to today, what might they make of the variety of their likenesses in nativity sets across the world? Perhaps a number of them would feel slighted that, in the Western world, most sets only depict three figures when, historically, their caravan likely included many more delegates. Or what outrage might they feel to know that among makeshift playsets of little children, one wise man is a Darth Vader action figure, another a Ken doll, and another a stuffed animal? In contrast, were they to behold the prized antique Italian papier mâché sculptures of their likenesses, they might grasp their significance as foundational representations of reverence and homage to Jesus.

Instead, I imagine that they would gather us together, draw our attention to the deep dark sky in which the brightest star is set, instruct us to “pack light,” and lead us on another journey to our savior. I, for one, would not hesitate to follow them: as keen observers of nature, they respect how God uses creation to point us in the direction of the divine, and they would lead us, no doubt, once again to the presence of our blessed Jesus. Thanks be to God for their pilgrimage!

Prayer
God, bless us on our journeys of faith to draw closer to Jesus, our Emmanuel. May each step we take as our full, authentic selves be our greatest gift to you. Amen.

Written by Nancy Benson-Nicol, Associate Pastor for Connection and Belonging

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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