It was on the evening of January 14, 1978 that the guys on the block were headed to a small party at Edgar’s house. Edgar grew up with us, along with his two brothers. The day was frigid cold at 32 degrees and the roads were all iced-up. Light snow was falling. Sidewalks had fresh-fallen snow, actually, 13.7” of it and the air was sharp and frigid. As we walked, the winds bit our faces. As silence filled the air, Gil and I headed to Edgar’s apartment. The rest of the guys would arrive later. There, in a crib, we saw Edgar’s new baby boy. Wow, he had the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen!
We chatted a while, drank and ate, as music played in the background. Later, we headed out. The weather kept us from getting gifts, but our presence did due-diligence. Whether small or big, parties are good for mingling, and, if it’s Christmastime, for exchanging gifts.
Though no one knows the exact time of Jesus’ birth, we do know of the events that transpired. Probably a year after the first Christmas, Wise Men from the East journeyed in search of the Messiah, Jesus, and after being guided by a star, found Him nearly two years after His birth. I know this may seem odd because it’s not what ‘tradition’ teaches, but it’s what the Bible says.
It is also possible there were up to a hundred Wisemen in the group. Scripture never mentions three wisemen; tradition does. Check it out:
“Now when Jesus (Yeshua) was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wisemen from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-3).
Verse 11 reads: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Notice a few things:
1. Jesus was already born.
2. He was found in a house, not the manger
3. He wasn’t a baby but a child.
4. They worshipped Him, not Mary
Scripture says:
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wisemen, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wisemen” (Matthew 2:16).
The reason King Herod had children ages two and under killed is because Jesus would have been in that age range when found by the wise men and the lapsing time. Herod wanted to kill Jesus, which isn’t too different from what man wants to do today. In the spirit of the holiday, Christ has been killed off by Santa. Santa gets all the glory. Afterall, “Magical things happen at Christmas through Santa,” they say. Man tries everything possible to silence Jesus’ followers and His message of salvation. Think of it. Commercialized Christmas is prettier and more festive than a poor and humble couple with a small child in unappealing quarters. The manger had no colorful lights, no background music, drinks or food, and no Christmas tree. Not much of a party…
But the Wise men found the savior! And the first thing they did? No, they didn’t give Him gifts! Instead, they knelt and worshipped Him! They acknowledged His Kingship. They didn’t even worship Joseph, just the child; the Son of the Most-High God.
This Christmas season whether you party or not, gift or not, whether it’s freezing, snowing, or you’re in the Caribbean, remember the true meaning of Christmas is giving. God gave us His most beloved treasure-His Son to save us. He gave us not a hundred kings not even three; but One; The King of Kings (Revelation 19:6)! If you too have been traveling long and far, and have seen His star (signs in your life that you need to find Him), He’s here! Worship Him! Then lay your treasures (your life, hopes, dreams, and your family) at His feet.
Merry Christmas!
Sam
