Led By a Star

~~~ The Epiphany of the Lord ~~~

~~~ Isaiah 60:1-6 ~~~Psalm 72 ~~~ Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6 ~~~

~~~ Mathew 2:1-12 ~~~

Led by a star three wise men began the journey of a lifetime.
They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh;
gifts fit for any earthly king.

Nations shall walk by your light,

and kings by your shining radiance.

They shared their enthusiasm for the quest with King Herod,
who shared in their enthusiasm with ulterior motives.

All kings shall pay him homage,

all nations shall serve him.

King Herod supported their journey because
 he planned to annihilate the infant king threat.
Herod never intended to pay homage to this infant king.

The three magi had no idea that when they came
 into the presence of this child they would be changed.

They were touched deep within their hearts
 by the sheer love and peace of this child.

They were led by a star into the presence of the true light of the world.
They came into contact with The Light of the World.
Laying their gifts at the foot of the crib they fell
 to their knees to pay him homage.

In a dream, from God, these three did not return to King Herod.
They went home by an alternate route.
They took a route that would bypass the King.

They could have ignored the dream, but they didn't.
They could have returned to Herod with the whereabouts
 of Jesus, but they didn't.

Some say it was the gift of gold that made it possible
 for the Holy Family to flee in the days ahead.

I wonder, what did happen to these three magi?
Did they go their separate ways?
Did they ever speak of their experience at the crib that night?

This story, true or not, gives us reason to pause
 and ask ourselves a question.

Have we changed because of this tiny infant?
What gifts can we offer?
When we walk away what do we carry away?
How has the peace of the Holy Family
impacted us as we go forward?

We too are led to the Child Jesus.
Blessings to be changed by his peace.
~~~Peace~~~