What events change history?
Epiphany (arrival of the Magi) is celebrated Jan. 6, hence these comments.
Christian Christmas scenes portray three wise men gathered around the manger with the shepherds. Yet their actual arrival is much later when Joseph, Mary and their new baby are living in some type of dwelling still in Bethlehem. (The three wise men may have been accompanied by more men — up to nine I’ve read.)
These wise men are not Jews coming to worship their newly born Messiah but from the east. Isn’t it fascinating that they had entirely different faiths — an indication that God sent someone special to be born? This new born baby would be for all the world, for all faiths, races and countries. These men’s backgrounds varied — at least one astrologer, with faiths probably Hindu, Buddhist, Tao, Confucian ... They were seers who in seeing the future saw that a special person would declare “good tidings” to come — not just then but for 2,100 years and beyond.
Jesus was born that night, preached for three years, was crucified and lives on through the Holy Spirit. There was a reason these men arrived — a synchronicity to it. They saw a star — a star shining in the east then moving with them to the west so they could find the babe.
Not only did they encounter harsh conditions as they journeyed but also met Herod who did not want to hear about the possibility of a new king. He felt he only was king so had 2-year-olds murdered (not so different from the murderous despots of today). Wasn’t it interesting that we were able to view that star on Dec. 21? Unfortunately, that night the fog rolled in around 5 p.m. at my place so there was no star viewing. Fortunately, I was interested in seeing the line-up of Jupiter and Saturn so viewed the sky the previous night. When I found the fascinating formation, I trained my binoculars on the sight. Realize this won’t return for what ... 600 years?
My granddaughter feels we’re moving into totally new history with the star’s appearance. That may be true once this virus leaves.
Back to the wise men. Their arrival also demonstrated the power of God. They were told of the birth and followed a star to the birthplace — and it took them some time after that bright star appeared. Jesus now was two at their arrival.
They brought valuable gifts and how providential that was. Joseph is told by an angel in a dream about Herod’s anger and murder of 2-year-olds and the need for flight. These gifts provided the money for the trip to Egypt. Talk about synchronicity. Everything seems to work in God’s timing!
The importance of the Wise Men? They demonstrated Jesus was born for all humanity
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How I enjoyed Gwin Mitchell-Paden. She was impressive to remember me in a column. I tried to call her often at her Fountains residence. When I tried about a week before Christmas and she didn’t answer I was concerned.
Then daughter Chris Smith emailed me that Gwin was hospitalized, then moved to a nursing home. She was firmly saying she wanted to go back to her home. When I called right after Christmas Chris said, “Yes, Mom is in the process of moving now and is she so happy.” Gwin had her way right up to the end! We will miss her.
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The following was sent me by a strong Christian about Christmas.
“I love Christmas. Think of Jesus who with a word created this universe. This incredible drama where the creator comes to earth as a human and not just that but a helpless baby. A baby that was worshipped by shepherds and wise men seeking Him. Crazy. What honor He grants to humanity. Entrusted humans to take care of His helplessness. Shocking.
“Why? He comes again and honors us with His actual presence dwelling in us. This God we love breaks into the world over and over to turn it on its head. Remember the more chaos that comes only means that He is breaking in more than ever. Evil is stirred up by His presence. ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.’ (2 Corinthians 4:8) This again means He is walking with us, close at hand. Let us worship that baby also with awe and wonder and praise. Let us worship the Slain Lamb. Let us worship our God. Praying for you and your family.”
Our future is now because we believe in positive results. Each one of us can change our world as those Magi did 2100 years ago.