One of the most poignant perspectives of the Christmas story, whether or not one adheres to the Christian faith, is the expectancy of all those in active pursuit of something good.
The Bethlehemites and key players involved didn’t just sit around, fumbling with some semblance of a remote, loosely surfing or scanning for something new to entertain them.
Neither did they simply react to some noise or community disturbance — like when a siren blares down our street — and we each suggest to one another we go take a look.
It wasn’t casual. It wasn’t happenstance.
It was an intentional pursuit.
What strikes me arguably most all those years ago, is the deep, genuine, eager expectation…
The Magi went after the manger; they traveled most probably thousands of miles in pursuit of the promise. Call it, if you will, the “first star trek” — although allow me to humbly acknowledge, the title is not an Intramuralist original (and with all due respect, no one, to my limited knowledge, exhibited any especially unusual ears).
Little is actually known about these Magi, these “wise men” or “kings,” as often depicted. There exists only one historical reference, reporting that they came “from the East” — quite possibly from Persia — and tradition then tells us that they had a reputation for astrology. Hence, what we know is that they actively trekked after the Messiah, and something that was already meaningful to them — yes, the star, since they were astrologers — got their attention.
It causes me to pause this holiday season, wondering how expectant I am, wondering what I am most searching for…
How am I preparing for this season? What am I doing besides making my lists and checking them twice?
What reflection would be wise, especially before 2017 is ushered in?
And what is God using to get my attention?
… after all, he will no doubt use something that is already meaningful to me.
What am I searching for? For what am I looking?
Is it something good? … peace? … joy? … hope, harmony, or reconciliation?
I keep wondering: am I looking for what is good?
It strikes me profoundly that the very first star trek was in eager expectation of what was good. That expectant hope changes everything.
Respectfully…
AR