The Jesse Tree: Day 24
THE COMEDY OF GRACE
Every piece of a nativity scene fits seamlessly together. We place the manger in the middle of the stable, drawing glances from the animals. Mary and Joseph are a pair, kneeling peacefully over their newborn child. The shepherds sit to one side, as at home in this stable as they have been in countless others. Then we line up the wise men.
They stand tall, holding their precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh; clothed in striking eastern embroidery; juxtaposed beside what otherwise would be an entirely provincial affair.
Over centuries of tradition the wise men have become an indelible part of any nativity scene; their presence is unquestionable. And yet, who are these mysterious outsiders?
The direct translation of the Greek word used to introduce the wise men is “Magi.” It is a term referring to members of the tribe of Magi, who were Babylonian astrologers, sorcerers, and masters of the dark arts. It is from the Magi that we derive our modern day word for “magic.”
Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is warned to stay well away from those very dark arts that lifted the Magi’s eyes to the star that led them to Bethlehem. They arrived from a nation repeatedly spoken of throughout Scripture as a place of literal and symbolic defiance against God, and yet there they are, demonstrating nothing but sincerity, generosity, and humility as they bow in worship before a little Jewish boy, the King of the World.
The story of the wise men is one that we can quickly take too seriously and miss the humor of it all. We have King Herod who is nervously trying to protect his power from a baby who hasn’t even figured out how to stay vertical. We have chief priests and scribes who know the Scriptures well enough to give directions to where the messiah has been born, but are too ignorant to follow the crowd who are on their way to meet him. And maybe most humorously of all, King Herod thought he was using the wisemen, but in the end they skipped out of town grateful for his help.
The story of the wise men is one that should make us smile. Not only due to the humor, but because of the comedy of God’s grace. Those who are least expected to worship God will. Those we’ve written off for their defiance will follow their seeking right into God’s presence.
And so, the next time you see the wise men in a nativity scene, take a moment to note the beauty of a tradition that has caused us to make outsiders insiders. And consider, maybe that was always the plan?
They stand tall, holding their precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh; clothed in striking eastern embroidery; juxtaposed beside what otherwise would be an entirely provincial affair.
Over centuries of tradition the wise men have become an indelible part of any nativity scene; their presence is unquestionable. And yet, who are these mysterious outsiders?
The direct translation of the Greek word used to introduce the wise men is “Magi.” It is a term referring to members of the tribe of Magi, who were Babylonian astrologers, sorcerers, and masters of the dark arts. It is from the Magi that we derive our modern day word for “magic.”
Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is warned to stay well away from those very dark arts that lifted the Magi’s eyes to the star that led them to Bethlehem. They arrived from a nation repeatedly spoken of throughout Scripture as a place of literal and symbolic defiance against God, and yet there they are, demonstrating nothing but sincerity, generosity, and humility as they bow in worship before a little Jewish boy, the King of the World.
The story of the wise men is one that we can quickly take too seriously and miss the humor of it all. We have King Herod who is nervously trying to protect his power from a baby who hasn’t even figured out how to stay vertical. We have chief priests and scribes who know the Scriptures well enough to give directions to where the messiah has been born, but are too ignorant to follow the crowd who are on their way to meet him. And maybe most humorously of all, King Herod thought he was using the wisemen, but in the end they skipped out of town grateful for his help.
The story of the wise men is one that should make us smile. Not only due to the humor, but because of the comedy of God’s grace. Those who are least expected to worship God will. Those we’ve written off for their defiance will follow their seeking right into God’s presence.
And so, the next time you see the wise men in a nativity scene, take a moment to note the beauty of a tradition that has caused us to make outsiders insiders. And consider, maybe that was always the plan?
Pause to reflect
Over this holiday season, how can you model the heart of God by welcoming the outsider and foreigner into your Christmas celebrations?
Take some time now to pray for our global partners around the world as they sow gospel seeds amongst the nations. May they know God’s presence as they are far from family, and may they be used as stars leading many to Christ.
Take some time now to pray for our global partners around the world as they sow gospel seeds amongst the nations. May they know God’s presence as they are far from family, and may they be used as stars leading many to Christ.
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