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
Matthew 2:10–11

Though it officially comes after Advent, the arrival of the wise men is so integral to the Christmas story, we tend to think of it as one event. The child is born and the magi are there to welcome him. But of course, the Biblical story is just as miraculous. These men completed a long and arduous journey, and had the faith to not only follow the star to the newborn king but also to trust their visions to return by a different road to avoid Herod’s wrath. These foreigners representing God’s love and care for the entire world are an example for us all.

And they set a lofty example to follow. As history has progressed, many have endured hardship to worship Christ. Christians have taken a long and tragic journey to reach this point, beginning with the Apostles spreading the gospel. But now, the story is spread, the tale is known, the baby, so to speak, has arrived. Christianity is a major force in the world and in our country especially. What is the next step we should take? Was this the goal all along?

Fortunately, we have clear guidance from the words of John in his first letter. “…Whoever says, ‘I abide in him,’ ought to walk just as he walked.” (I John 2:6) We now have to become Christ. We have been called not just to discover the baby Jesus and worship Him. We have been called to be Him in the world. While the wise men abandoned their homeland for a treacherous journey, we have perhaps a more difficult path to walk. We must abandon our earthly selves and be Christ in the world. We have to prepare ourselves to walk His walk.

Thought for the Day: As true followers of Christ, having found Him, how will we be Him? Are we content to arrive at his feet, when we should be pushing out into the world as his disciples?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we know to search for you in all places, but we know, having found you and being found by you, you now call us to show you to others. Help us to be your holy presence in a world that desperately needs it. Amen

Adam C. Alderson,
business manager