Gift
of the Magi
“We
shouldn't just focus on our personal needs and wishes or rely on our
own intelligence as we try to live an effective life. We could look
higher, beyond ourselves, and seek out a special star of guidance.”
Thomas
Moore (The Soul of Christmas, p.54)
In western Christianity,
this weekend is Epiphany, and in Orthodox Christianity, today is
Christmas day. Traditionally, Epiphany is when the Magi visited Mary,
Joseph and Jesus in Bethlehem. Magi is the plural form of Magus, and
according to Thomas Moore, “refers to one who studies secret
knowledge to attain special powers.” (The Soul of Christmas, p.54)
The Magi, or Magicians, in the Bible story studied the stars, and
followed one particular star to the birthplace of a baby they
believed would become King of the Jews.
There are a couple of
understandings that we can take from the story of the Wise Men. One
has to do with following a star. That star may be a personal one—a
dream, an idea, a passion. When we are given a particularly deep
interest or ability, we might pay attention to that—it may be our
brightest light. Or that star might be someone: a mentor, a teacher,
a particular historical figure who holds special fascination for
us. Studying their life, learning their techniques, can lead to
expertise we might not otherwise acquire. Fixing our sights on a
light, on a goal, on an ideal may lead us to something newborn in
ourselves—something transformational.
Another part of the Magi
story that has always been of interest to me, comes at the very end.
If you remember the story, the Magi had gone first to King Herod, who
was the Roman ruler of Palestine at the time, to inquire as to where
the King of the Jews was to be born. This struck fear into Herod's
heart, so he concocted a plan to find this baby and kill it before it
could gain power. He told the Magi to go to Bethlehem and find the
child, and then come back and tell him so that he, too, might go and
worship him. After the Wise Men had presented their gifts to the
babe, we are told this: “And having been warned in a dream not
to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another
route.” (Matt.2:12) We can listen to our dreams—they will
advise us; they will show us a picture of our inner landscape. When
we have unease about some decision we are confronting, we can trust
that unease, and go home by another route. In other words, trust your
gut! It too has wisdom.
The word Epiphany, which
we use today to mean a sudden revelation, a realization of ultimate
reality, reminds me of another word spoken by Jesus—Ephphatha.
Jesus used this command when he was healing a man who had been deaf
and mute his whole life. The word means “be opened.” We
can take meaning from both these words—be illuminated, and be open.
Be a light that is open to all.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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