I love setting up the Nativity scene every Christmas. Such a beautiful reminder of God’s plan and purpose for my life. And yet, I’m always a little perplexed by the inclusion of the three wise men. Honestly, they don’t belong there.
So I either leave them in the box or set them up on the far side of the room, because, Biblically speaking, they were not at the birth of Jesus. Most experts agree that it could have been at least two years before they arrived in Bethlehem, which meant that baby in the manger was no longer a newborn but a thriving toddler pulling at his mother’s dress. The wise men weren’t bumping elbows with the shepherds at Jesus’ birth; their journey to the Savior had only just begun.
The world likes to lump the Nativity all together in one nice little package. Bring it out once a year and then tuck it away, no fuss no muss. But here’s the thing…I think we need to spread out the Christmas story to savor the delights of God’s unfolding plan.
When the star of Bethlehem first appeared on the night Jesus was born it set into motion two groups of people who journeyed to worship Him. While the shepherds didn’t have to go far, just a short jog down the hillside from where they were watching their sheep, the wise men took note and began to pack their bags for a long journey. Two very different groups, and yet, both played a part in the unfolding drama of eternity.
Perhaps, like me, you’ve known Christ for many years and your ‘journey’ to the manger is short, so much so that it tends to blend together in comfortable familiarity. Or maybe your ‘journey’ has just begun and while everything is new and wonderful the hustle and bustle of the season can be a bit distracting.
If you are among the shepherds ask God to move you out of your comfort zone, to see past the familiarity of the baby in the manger to the man who gave Himself to save the world. If you are among the wise men ask God to move you past the shiny baubles of the season so that you can worship Him unfettered by the trappings of the world.
You see, it’s not about the journey, but where the journey takes us.
This Christmas spread out the story of the Nativity, take time to enjoy the journey because no matter how long it takes you to get there, the object, dear friends, is to get there.
Scriptures to ponder: Luke 1:1-20 | Matthew 1:18-2:23