Monday 23 December, 2013

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Wise men, kings, men from the east? Whatever or whoever these men were – they were watching…they were alert…they were expectant…they were on the move. We are given very little detail about them but they make it into the Christmas narrative. There is much to be learned from all those in this story. There must have been so many distractions on a journey from so far away – so many interesting alternate destinations, so many fascinating reasons to detour on this journey. But they came, they sought, they found and they worshipped the King of Kings.

Oh God there are so many distractions that can keep me from seeking you. Like these wise men – may I be single minded in seeking you – not stopping till I find you and fall to my knees in worship of the King of Kings.

Written by Ps. Linda Quinn