“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
During the month of December I usually go on my own sort of journey to Bethlehem. I love the Biblical story so much. All the alignments to Jesus’ coming never cease to amaze me, and the month of December I linger at my own pace throughout the Old Testament prophecies and follow how they weave through time with such purpose toward one night. I get a little lost in digging into customs, words, and commentaries. All of it makes the story rich and alive, old but new again.
The dot by dot tracings through Scripture lead me to wonder at the supernatural entwined in the very ordinary. I try to imagine Mary’s blessed dilemma, a virgin heavy with child through the Holy Spirit. I contemplate a soon-to-be married shocked and heartsick Joseph. I do my best to picture the swaddled God incarnate newborn in a feeding trough. I am enamored by shepherds on a hillside and an angel chorus.
But the story of the wise men, who had likely travelled over 1,000 miles of rough terrain to worship a new king holds a special fascination.
How far would you travel to see the One for whom all of Israel waited? What lengths would you go to see a newborn king?
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” they asked.
Herod, ruler and king, didn’t know the answer to the wise men’s question. He called together all the chief priests and teachers of Jewish law for some help.
The so-called religious experts knew immediately, easy-peasy, where their Messiah would be born. After all, they studied the law and the prophets backwards and forwards, and it all lined up.
“Bethlehem in Judea.” Only about six miles away.
Six miles from the extravagant palace everything came together in a no-room-in-the-inn sort of accommodation. Old Testament predictions, God’s promises and all of Israel’s history moved to that point in time.
Even though everything aligned, the chief priest and scribes didn’t move their pompous selves an inch.
Herod sent the wise men ahead with a lie and a promise, “As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
And the religious leaders crossed their arms, yawned and went back to their comfortable lives, never stepping a foot closer to Christ.
This year, the first time in nearly 800 years two planets, Jupiter and Saturn will align to form the appearance of one huge so-called, “Christmas star.”
It’s kind of a big deal and 800 years is sort of a long time. According to experts we would have to go all the way back to March 4, 1226 to see a similar heavenly sight.
Within our piece of history God Himself will light the skies outside our Covid walls and we have an opportunity to be witnesses. For about a week we can observe this “double planet.”
2020 has tested our definition of church. It has tried the Biblical mandate of gathering in Jesus’ name. This year has grown hearts needy for a pastoral word and spiritual encouragement. We’ve missed community and corporal worship. We long for a different kind of togetherness, to hug, grieve and laugh. We want to connect again.
It’s a short distance to look into the sky the 21st of December, and marvel at its Master Designer. We’ve shaken our heads at this year full of unprecedented events. Perhaps the Creator of the stars and planets will find us with faces upturned like the shepherds and wise men long ago, at this once-in-many-lifetimes-event.
May the journey He Himself took from heaven to a manger to a cross touch our hearts. May we meet across the miles in His outside cathedral to remember the night swaddling clothes wrapped the Light of the World and the heavens burst with God’s glory. Maybe God’s celestial alignment will encourage us to go 1,000 miles or six, to rekindle hope, to go the distance in spite of the struggle. May the praise of our hearts reach His ears and our hearts align with His.
How far would you go to meet Jesus?
Jeannie Waters
Sylvia, this post is one of the most amazing I’ve read. The truths of God’s plan and your stellar writing ability align here to amaze us. I love this: “May the journey He Himself took from heaven to a manger to a cross touch our hearts. May we meet across the miles in His outside cathedral to remember the night swaddling clothes wrapped the Light of the World and the heavens burst with God’s glory.”
Sylvia Schroeder
Ah thanks Jeannie. You are such an encourager. I feel like we are so constrained this Christmas. I am excited God is not!!
Marilyn Krehbiel
Syl, THANKS so very much for this amazing info about the planets! I too am in complete awesomeness over the birth of our Savior!! Yes prayin
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Marilyn. Merry Christmas. May it be filled with the wonder of Jesus!
J.D. Wininger
Such an inspiring post Ms. Sylvia. My answer to your question, I pray, is all the way to heaven. God’s blessings; and Merry CHRISTmas my friend.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you J.D. What a mighty God we serve! So glad He made that journey to find me!!
Marcy Giesbrecht
Oh Sylvia, truth so beautifully expressed! It occurred to me while reading your article that the world’s population have grown so accustomed to looking down, at our phone, our tablets, etc that the Lord is giving us a moment in time, using His creation to cause us to look up, to see Him. May we be like the wise men, always looking and seeking Him.
Sylvia Schroeder
Oh my Marcy, that is just so true! I’ve not thought of it like that. So profound and convicting. Thank you!
Karisa Moore
Sylvia, you capture the wonder and awe I am feeling as I study the advent story more deeply. Thank you for encouraging me to look at that nativity night so differently.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Karisa. I appreciate you reading and responding. May your Christmas be full of awe of the Savior!
Joanna Eccles
Thank you for letting us know about the Christmas star. I eagerly look forward to seeing it this year. May our upturned faces cry out to the Father for an outpouring of grace like we’ve not seen in 800 years. Christmas blessings to you.