In the presence of all peoples
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
Which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples. Luke 2:30-31
Read Matthew 2:1—12
How much I have to ponder this night. I have a scene to keep before me as I prepare to sleep. All my own wisdom, all my deepest thoughts, my most profound searching, is this what brings me to Jesus along with these wise men? Or has my faith in Jesus introduced me to one so complete that even my wisest thoughts seem, if anything, a little on the foolish side? Homage. These men paid homage. Am I one who merely goes to church or do I adore? Does Jesus have my true homage? Gold, frankincense and myrrh. I picture churches lavishly decorated. Lavishly. And I’m not even going to criticise those who endow them. Not this night. For I want to know where in my life, using my little fortune, I too can dig deep. What is it I can offer up? To him? To his praise? To announce him? Can I offer him anything less than lavish?
Gracious God, you have made your way known upon earth, and when your promised Son came, those who had not heard or been taught or studied or prayed or longed for this promise, still were moved to honour him. Let me join them in whole-hearted adoration. Let me, with them, move out of my familiar place. Let me, one from among the nations, join them from among all the nations. Locate me among the cultures, the various ways of life around me. Awaken me to the seeking and the searching among those I encounter. Grant me insight into your revelation to them. Thank you that all our true questions and our searching meet in Jesus Christ.