“Journey’s End“
Gifts for a king, an earthly Savior, given by those with earthly favor,
Humbly journeying in faith believing, The sign in the heavens was for them given.
Author
The reappearance of the “Star” sent a jolt of excitement through the caravan.
Even the camels felt the impact of the beam of light streaming from the heavens.
It drew them, as a moth to the flame, their pace quickening; their padded steps lighter; travel weary aches forgotten.
As the entourage drew closer to Bethlehem, it became strangely evident;
The star drawing them on was fixed directly over the little village.
Mesmerized by the sight, the Magi encountered shepherds returning to their flocks, babbling excited tales of “angels” and a “baby in a manger.”
The bustle of activity belied the lateness of the hour when they entered Bethlehem:
The stationary light was bathing a home in it’s glow had spread it’s warmth, displacing the chill of the winter evening.
An air of reverent expectation settled over the caravan.
They approached the house and stopped, as the Magi carefully dismounted;
Their hearts told them the quest was over.
Above them shined the star; before them stood the home bathed in light;
The shakina glory of the Lord reigned over the one to whom the star had led……..”He who was born, King of the Jews!”
Having nursed, the infant king slept; blissfully unaware of the stir his arrival had caused.
Each of the Magi knelt reverently, to present themselves to Mary and Joseph.
With quiet humility, they placed their gifts of gold, frankinsence and myrh at the feet of the sleeping infant king and future Messiah.
A great peace settled over the village as the heavenly light receded to the heavens.
When shepherds had all returned to their flocks, the innkeeper, neighbors, villagers, and caravan, retired for the night.
Quiet descended on the house, as Mary and Joseph pondered what they had seen; and treasured these things in their hearts.
The Magi rested and prepared for their return journey:
Gathering supplies and sharing tales of their quest. They showed humble gratitude for God’s revelation; and the guidance of the star.
Mary and Joseph marveled as they listened to the Magi’s stories of when the star first appeared; exactly nine months earlier; to the day!
After fulfilling Balaam’s prophecy of the coming of the “Star” it had disappeared only to reappear as the Magi departed Jerusalem!
It became their guiding light, leading them to the very house in which Mary, Joseph and the babe were staying.
The Magi left more quietly then they had come.
The dawn broke on their second day, to find the entourage had slipped out of Bethlehem on their long journey home.
