In this week’s Gospel passage, we are presented with the story of the Magi; wise men, we are told, traveling from “the East.”

Unlike the Scribes who had the benefit of books, who knew how to map the coordinates, and did not hesitate when Herod asked where the baby King would be born, the Magi were foreigners. They had pilgrim hearts and the courage it takes to walk towards the light they had been studying.  The truth was shared with the Scribes but they didn’t have what the journey requires... a steadfast desire for more. The Magi were seekers... they recognized the invitation in the bright star and wanted to pursue what it offered.

As we navigate our cities, shops, workplaces, and homes this week, let’s consider three things we find in the movement of the Magi towards Bethlehem...

First, these wise men originally went to Jerusalem because something so great surely must be happening in a place of power and prestige; they were wrong.  This kind of King is found in the eyes and laughter of children, in the love relationships we hold dear, in the integrity of our lives, in the muck and challenge of our humanity.  Our journey to find the baby brings us back to where we already are with eyes and heart anew... seek Him there!

Second, the Magi brought the best they had to offer; gold, frankincence, and myrrh.

·       Gold was the appropriate gift for a King. It represents the best of our work and influence.  When we are at the peak of our performance, we must pause and offer this back to the One who it truly belongs to. 

·       Frankincense is used in churches and temples.  As the smoke rises and the aroma fills the space, we can think of this as representation of our interior lives; it’s the aroma of our character as followers of the Christ. Let’s challenge ourselves to bring the scent of our spiritual lives out into the open.  As men, we are often uncomfortable in the vulnerability required to allow this part of ourselves to rise up as the gift it is intended to be in this world filled with such longing for witnesses to the Gospel.

·       Myrrh, an embalming ointment, and a strange gift for a baby.  Let’s consider this as representing where we are vulnerable and wounded.  It’s the grief and sorrow we carry over bad decisions and broken relationships.  Here is where we are invited to lay ourselves bear before the King, acknowledging that we are tired, hurting, unsure, scared, and in need.

We offer these gifts not because the Savior, Messiah, King, the Christ needs them but because WE NEED TO LET THEM GO.

And, lastly, after offering these gifts of our most intimate and imperfect selves, we do as the Magi and return home “another way.” A true encounter of the Christ and handing over who we are to His loving embrace... and if, no – WHEN we feel ourselves slipping back to old habits, anger, isolation, we recall the journey of the Magi and pivot towards the Light. 

~Ignar, the Pilgrim Prophet