Strange Signs of a Kingdom Coming | Mid-week Advent #2

Part of Strangers At Strange Tables For Advent series

What if we are meant to trace these signs in scripture just as those wonderful wisemen tracked a constellation? In the baby Jesus, God’s full hospitality has been set into motion.

The magi from the East are probably my favorite characters from the nativity, aside from baby Jesus, of course. There is an aura of mystery around them. Where were they actually from? I’ve recently read an article that makes a case for Turkey. Who were they? Popular theory is that they were Zoroastrians. Were they wealthy kings, wise men, or both? How many of them were there, actually? Intrigue surrounds them, they come late to the party, and they bring tremendous gifts. What’s not to like?

Threes

Tradition gives us three kings or magi who journey to visit the Christ child. And whether they were actually three in number, they bring the three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But, they are not the only threesome that make a journey in scripture. There is Joseph, Mary and the yet to be born baby on a journey to Bethlehem and Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus fleeing from Bethlehem into Egypt as refugees. They are 3, yet they are one family; displaced, highly vulnerable, seeking shelter because of a ruler’s…