Christmas Traditions, Pt. 2

I cannot remember the last time I walked any distance further than a 1/2 mile or so. In fact, last night I had to walk a block to see Santa drive through our neighborhood. To be honest with you, any further than that and we would just have to catch him at the mall. My own resistance to walking only heightens the impact of the Story of the Wise Men. Several men (we don't really know how many) set out on a journey that could have taken as much as two years (not real sure) to visit a child - a savior child who was prophesied to bring deliverance to Israel (remember, the wise men weren't even Israelites - they were probably Persian). Simply Amazing! From His earliest of days, Christ always drew a crowd and often drew them from the least likely of places.

This text is rife, however with irony. The non - Jewish caravan of astronomers/astrologers come a great distance, yet we have no record of the Jewish authorities traveling even within the city to see Jesus. One would think that at least the Chief Priests would have followed the wise men to see the child. Even today, I am amazed at those of us who do and those of us who do not seek Christ! And, I think it all comes down to the simple fact that we must recognize who this child is before we ever consider seeking Him.

The Wise men recognize at least three truths about this Christ that point to the Hope we have for deliverance in Him. They first recognized Him as Sovereign - indeed a King! They brought gifts (at least three, maybe more) that were fit for a King and they laid them at His feet. Secondly, they recognized Him as Shepherd - the Old Testament term for One who protects, guides and deals mercifully with His sheep. This Idea of Shepherd King is not new, rather it is steeped in the richest traditions of the Old Testament and help us understand that the pre -Christian Jew would be looking for exactly this in the form of a Messiah. Thirdly, they saw Him as Savior. This is evident in the fact that they worshipped Him. We are not sure how fully developed their understanding of Christ as Savior was, but it is certain that they understood this child fulfilled more than just the role of a good earthly king or person. They were so sure that they crossed cultural barriers and land masses, intentionally undermined a corrupt and paranoid ruler (Herod) and brought untold wealth in the hopes that they would catch a glimpse of this Christ King. Who do you see when you look at this child? To what do your traditions point today? Do you see a Sovereign, a Shepherd and a Savior?

If we see Him as some ancient story of a good man who did some good in his time, then we will probably not leave the couch this Christmas season. But, if we see him as the Wise Men did in Matthew 2, then we would cross the wildest of terrain for the simple hope of being near him, if even for a moment. Here is the good part in all of that, though, we don't have to cross the wildest terrain - no, Christ has crossed it for us! He has come to us and the tradition of the Wise men helps us see that so clearly. All we need to do is recognize and receive him - and then only will we move to seek Him!

Traditions that Point to Christ

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