The coming of the Magi signifies the global intent and reach of Christmas.  The gift of Jesus is not confined to Israel, but is the ultimate blessing extended from Israel to “all peoples.”  This becomes the primary emphasis as we move from the Christmas season and step into the Church season of Epiphany.  The Magi sort of bridge the gap between the two.  They come a long way from foreign places to experience a prophetic “gift exchange.”  They offer their gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  They receive the gift of a Personal encounter.  They leave changed. Their course is altered. They “go home by another way.”

I wonder what is to be our wisdom in 2024?  Into what sort of Gospel “gift exchange” might we be travelling?  What might that look like for each of us? What will love free us to do and be?  Our gifts will certainly vary.  The gift of Jesus will not. 

             As we once again rehearse the Christmas story through Lessons and Carols I will call upon a famous short story that might help us better understand how to answer the question: Who are the wise?