Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
I was psyched! My husband and I were flying to Nashville a few weeks before Christmas to help our son and daughter-in-law after the birth of our first granddaughter. My sweet daughter-in-law even sent me a text that morning with one word….Today!
Our plane didn’t leave Harrisburg until 10 pm, but we were so excited that we arrived at the airport about three hours early (first mistake). The gate wasn’t even open! But spirits undaunted, we made it through security, got some coffee and settled into pure anticipation. About two hours later, the attendant announced our flight would be delayed an hour due to heavy fog. We informed our son, but alas (yes, it felt quite melodramatic) an hour later our flight was cancelled altogether and rescheduled for the following day at 2:30 pm. Visions of Planes, Trains and Automobiles rolled through my mind.
So we trudged back to long-term parking, retrieved our car, and drove home. Not what we anticipated, but as I sat next to the Christmas tree in my family room the next morning, I knew I had a choice to make. Either succumb to frustration of things not going as planned, or choose to be grateful we could still go. I chose the latter option. The wise one.
No matter how much we plan, life’s journey often takes unlikely turns. The Magi traveled a great distance to worship a king who didn’t even belong to their heritage. This Gentile trio had only a star to guide them, yet they persisted in spite of whatever obstacles or setbacks they faced. And when they finally saw the newborn Jesus, they fell to their knees and worshipped. Wisemen indeed.
Obviously, our trip to Nashville carried far less ramifications than the Magi’s journey. But the challenge to keep our focus and not get deterred by the unexpected touches us all. As I held our newborn granddaughter and smothered her 2-year-old brother with hugs and kisses, pure joy overwhelmed me.
So whatever unlikely circumstances you might be facing today, I pray you keep your focus on what matters. Be as wise as the Magi.