Christmas in the Rearview Mirror

 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2)

For those who become upset when the visit of the Magi is included in the manger scene, I apologize. Yes, I know we are talking months later, but then again, how long does it take for the peace, joy and wonder of Christmas to become a distant memory in our minds or meditation in our hearts. Matthew is lead to reinforce the incarnation by including this series of events as his only "Christmas memory," (other than the angelic visit to Joseph.) So include it we must and should. It's not about the birth of the baby as much as the coming of the Son to the earth. That's what we need to be moved by and with. It is what God has done which should motivate our continued response. May it be so. May we not lose sight of Advent in our mirrors, or as we look for Him to come again.