Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (Click Scripture for link)
The Visit of the Magi
Life is sometimes nuts. I feel like that is a fair enough statement. December, Advent, the Christmas season may take the cake as time of year that is most likely to become nuts. The days are shorter. The nights are longer. There is an expectation of Christmas both religious and commercial. Not to mention school programs, busy stores, and sometimes questionable weather.
We know the story of the Wise Men and I think we forget how nuts it is. A group of non-Jewish men from way out of town see a star and go for a walk to worship the newly born King of the Jews. When they make it to their destination after unknowingly making Herod jealous, they leave their seemingly inappropriate gifts for the newborn baby Jesus.
Chaos, jealousy, and unexpected guests sound like the makings of a Christmas movie. Possibly even your own Christmas. I am reminded by our scripture today to keep my jealousy in check. The Wise Men weren’t trying to make Herod jealous they just wanted to share their good news. I may be overly optimistic but people aren’t trying to make you jealous they are living their life and trying to share their good news.
This Christmas we are bound to find situations to be jealous of others. There may be people that are a part of our gatherings that just seem to rub us the wrong way. And there are probably people you worry about what gifts they are going to bring whether it happens to be the hard as a rock fruitcake or another ugly Christmas sweater.
While the Wise Men were unexpected guest for the Holy Family and maybe their gifts were a bit unorthodox they were all able to enjoy the presence of Emmanuel together. Isn’t that really what the season is about? Growing in relationship with God with whoever shows up to worship Jesus Christ.
Questions:
What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?
What are you most thankful for in the Christmas Story?
What are you having a hard time not being jealous of this year? Is there anything that may help?
How can you be more optimistic about your own unexpected guest or inappropriate gifts?
Daily Prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, thank you for the day and the story of your son Jesus. Give me the faith to travel long distances to find you. Give me the courage to be excited for others good fortune instead of jealousy. Give me the grace to greet unexpected situations and receive unforeseen gifts. In your gracious name I pray. Amen.
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