January 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Matthew 2:1-12
The Visit of the Wise Men

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
   who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Reflection
Bethlehem, the house of bread. What an appropriate meaning to the town that God would choose to come to and be born in flesh. Just as the manna came from above and fell to the Israelites in the wilderness, God has sent Jesus from above to fall among all people. Bethlehem, the house of bread. How can you not recall communion and the body of Christ that is taken and eaten and comes into the center of your very being and becomes a part of you in such a close manner. "This is my body given for you."

Contrast Jesus and our Bread of Life with Herod. Both kings but in striking difference. Herod a king of power and might in an earthly sense, compared to Jesus a king of love and humility in a heavenly sense. A contrast that puts on display the heavenly and the earthly thinking of a king. The differences brought forth by the Holy Spirit's indwelling in Jesus. The purpose of life in contrast. One gives life and the other takes life.

A sign in the star was given to the wise men. A sign from above. A sign far above. A heavenly sign that points to Jesus. Sometimes I think the star lit so brightly not because of the stars great light, but because it was a heavenly being reflecting the light of Jesus now on earth. We are given a heavenly sign to follow. We are given Jesus to draw us in and a sign to follow. As we search for Jesus we find Jesus has found us and attracted us and is always near us. We too reflect the light of Jesus and point to him as Lord and Savior.

Yet, we are not of the Chosen People. We are of the foreigners. We are coming to see Jesus, a Jew of the Chosen People. We come to see Jesus and Jesus comes to us that we may believe and become Children of God. God loves us too! Jesus was sent for you and me too! We come to worship and offer our humble gift of our very best to Jesus. Not that Jesus needs us, but that we need Jesus. Jesus is our King and we choose to stay with him rather than return to that old king of sin and death. Jesus brings life and light for all people. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, you are my Light and my life. I come in worship to praise and honor you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen