By Bethanie Walker, serving in Mendoza, Argentina
Read Matthew 2:1-12
Christmas Day has come and gone, but in Latin America, there are still lots of small children waiting for more presents. Why? Because the three kings (and their camels) haven’t visited yet! So, if you go to a house in Argentina on the evening of 5 January, you may see some recently cleaned shoes sitting expectantly on the patio (along with some grass and water for the camels), waiting for the kings to fill them with small toys and sweets.
The wise men – tradition calls them Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar – weren’t necessarily kings, but it is true they travelled a long way from the East, to bring their gifts to the real King, Jesus. Their purpose? To worship him. And when they found him, they were overjoyed and bowed down and paid homage to the child.
The surprise in this passage is that the other king mentioned, Herod, who should have been with the wise men, worshipping Jesus, is actually fearful of this new King. Instead of worshipping, he immediately starts plotting how to kill him.
As we reflect on this passage, we can be so thankful that Jesus came not just for the Jewish people, but for all the nations. And we can examine our hearts to see what our response really is to this true King. Let’s fight the fear that Herod felt and join with the wise men in joy and worship as we gaze in wonder at the King of Kings.
This Christmas season, please do pray for our little church, reaching out particularly to the local neighbourhood. Pray that we would be able to convey something of the joy and awe that the wise men felt about the birth of Jesus in our different Christmas activities – a joy that eclipses a shoe full of sweets!