A Christmas Poem

The most famous poem of all times regarding the Wise Men is that of T. S. Elliot's "The Journey of the Magi." Its beauty and hidden meanings are unsurpassed in my opinion. Yet this year I feel I must offer my interpretation also of this key event. I believe that all of us are on a similar journey in life. We start life in the East symbolically with our births and travel toward the West as our lives progress. We seek the answers constantly to life's big cosmic questions, "Why are we here? What is our purpose?" For those of us who are Christians, we realize the answers were there all along: at the crib of Christ:

A Prophet, A Star, and A Person

Trudging wearily through the snow during winter solstice,
The men keep their arms wrapped tightly, close to their bodies,
Under their woolen garments, clutching their gifts,
And asking themselves often, “Could the prophet’s words be true?”

Embarking from the East, and many miles from the warm comfort of home,
They are following a dream, a dream to discover the Messiah.
Prophet Amos, hundreds of years ago, had pledged, “For out of you (Judah) shall come a ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.”

Guiding them faithfully, the star moves ever so steadily before them,
Twinkling silently at long last over a young Child in the little town of Bethlehem.
Rejoicing with exceedingly great joy, they enter the house to see the Child with Mary, his Mother.

Falling down before the Person in the tiny crib, they worship Him,
Opening their pouches to reveal gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Departing soon thereafter from Bethlehem, they return home a different Way, giving King Herod no chance to harm the newborn Savior.

Following the same path as the Magi, we followers today at Christmas
Trudge slowly through the circumstances of our lives seeking also
A Word, A Sign, and A Savior.
As we move into His presence at this sacred season,
We humble ourselves, fall at His feet, and worship Him.
We present Him the gifts of ourselves: time, treasure, and talent.