Everyone is on a spiritual journey. For some it’s a long, winding road. I have a friend who moved from Hindu to Sikh to Christian in his spiritual quest. For others, it’s a lot shorter. Let’s take a look at some people who journeyed to Jesus during the first Christmas.
The shepherds
We’re not told in Scripture exactly what the shepherds in the Christmas story believed. As Hebrews, they probably believed in Jehovah and the long-awaited promise of a Messiah. But we don’t know whether they practiced their faith or not.
We do know that their journey to Jesus happened very quickly. They were tending their flocks one night (minding their own business) when suddenly their lives were turned upside down. An angel appeared out of nowhere lighting up the dark sky. He gives them an amazing message about a Savior being born in nearby Bethlehem. If that wasn’t shocking enough, the angel is then joined by a “multitude” of other angels (see Luke 2:8-15 for all the details).
When the spectacle came to an end, the shepherds hurried into town in search of this special child. When they found baby Jesus, they relayed the angelic message to his parents. How appropriate that the first visitors to see the Messiah were from the lower socioeconomic class just like Mary and Joseph. They brought no gifts to the baby probably because they were too poor but also because everything happened so fast. In God’s sight, everyone is of equal value and He purposely gave this honor to those who were not greatly honored in their day.
The shepherds returned to their fields rejoicing and telling everyone what they had experienced. Their journey to Jesus had been very short, all happening in one, unforgettable night.
The Magi
By contrast, we have the “Magi” (or wise men) far to the east. Some scholars think they were native to Persia (Iran) or Babylon (Iraq). They were among the educated elite of their society (in stark contrast to the shepherds). Their study of the stars (astronomy) had led them to conclude that something very significant was happening in a country to their distant west. They were so convinced that they embarked on an expensive and dangerous journey that probably took several months to complete.
We usually assume the Magi were three in number (because they brought three expensive gifts) but we don’t know for sure. After inquiring in the capital city (Jerusalem) and finding no royal baby there, they were led to Bethlehem as well. Most Christmas cards and Nativity pictures show them visiting baby Jesus at the stable. However, Scripture tells us clearly that they arrived at a “house” (Matthew 2:11). This indicates that some time had passed and that Joseph and Mary had moved from their emergency venue (stable) and rented a more suitable dwelling. Mary needed time to recover and the baby needed to be circumcised and dedicated to God according to Jewish custom.
The Magi’s journey to Jesus (unlike the shepherds’) had been a long, arduous one. They too returned home fulfilled and rejoicing that their quest had been successful and worth all the effort.
What about you?
So, what about your journey to Jesus? Has it been long or short? Have you arrived yet or are you still en route? How you get there really doesn’t matter. But whether you arrive or not… is of eternal consequence. Bon voyage!
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
