A narrative based on Matthew 2:1-12, the story of the Magi

O Maker of the material world, thou Holy One! You have at last sent us a sign of the Messiah. We’ve kept your laws, studied the works of your hands in the stars, and listened for your message. A star rises in the southwest and moves, marking our path…

I’ve been preaching, reminding all who would listen that Adonai keeps promises. A Redeemer has been promised through the prophets before me, a Messiah. One who would bring an end to poverty, disease, and despair. One who could bring the dead back to the living. A Messiah who would return the scattered people of God back to the land that was promised. We can place our hope in Adonai, who is faithful. Anyone who has come into this temple knows who I am and knows my reputation as a prophet of the God of Israel.

The song, Mary Did You Know?, exists, and for some reason people like it - but that doesn't make it anything close to good theology or an accurate recounting of the events recounted in scripture. Can we please stop asking her? Yes, She knew! - but please continue loving it if you want.

Why are we like this? Why do we feel like we need to be “right” instead of giving grace? This happens to all of us – we make mountains out of molehills in our relationships with our families, with random people on the internet, when we are listening to the news and choosing polarization instead of relationship. We choose to not be peaceful in so many little ways all the time!

I know it can be tempting to place your hopes on religious symbols. I know it can be tempting to lose sight of eternal rewards and consequences and live for the joy of this life alone. I know it can be tempting to turn against one another when you are all suffering – but don’t.

Peter, here in this story, I think is so overcome with the presence of God, he immediately worships. When he is smacked across the face with reality, he reaches straight to God and is lifted back into a kingdom mindset. A mindset that sets him free from his immediate constraints, maybe not the laws of physics, but the constraints of his culture and customs and the empire in which he lives.

“Lord, help me.” I know he’s not like the others, I know he can answer this desperate prayer. “Lord, help me, my daughter…”

Hagar saw a well that saved her and her child in the desert. Maybe your well is quitting a job that is draining you dry. Maybe your well is ending a relationship with family that is toxic. Maybe your well is trusting yourself and your talents to try something new. Your well might be going back to school, mine certainly was. Your well might be just asking for help. Maybe your well is just not losing hope, not seeing the future but seeing a well that gives you water for now – hope for now, even in uncertainty.