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Topic: Satisfied (10/11/04)
TITLE: The journey By gillian liversedge 10/12/04 |
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Looking back, I remembered the excitement of its beginning. The star, appearing so suddenly, had caused us to gather together. What could it mean? With one mind, we searched the ancient manuscripts and charts. We spoke to those wiser than ourselves, seeking counsel. So it was that we found the meaning. A child had been born, a king. The king of the Jews!
The knowledge was too great, the star too bright, for us to ignore it. We must visit, we must pay homage to this king.
It took us a while to prepare. Our affairs must be put in order. Servants hired, gifts chosen. Farewells to be said. At last, we were ready. Excited, and determined, we set off.
As I already said, the road was long and hard. Though we travelled with wealth and privilege, we still suffered discomfort at times. Yet the star beckoned us, urging us on, calling us. We could not give up, would not be discouraged!
We neared Jerusalem, and knew we must call on Herod. He was reputed to be a proud and pompous king, who would be offended if we did not visit. His palace was grand, and his hospitality effusive. Yet when we asked if he knew the whereabouts of the new king, he became flustered. It seemed that he knew nothing of the birth of this child. Calling together his advisors, he took some time to find the birthplace, as foretold in the prophecies. Eventually he sent us to Bethlehem, and we were relived to be once again on the road.
In Bethlehem, the star, for so long our companion, stood still, and we easily found the house. The child’s parents, Mary and Joseph, seemed startled to see us, but received us gladly. The hospitality they offered, though much more humble than that of Herod, was given with joy and peace. We received it with much gratitude.
Then we saw the child. Interrupted in his play, and seated on Mary’s knee, he gazed at us, and chuckled. At the time, we thought he was amused by our colourful clothes, out of place in that humble house. But looking back, I rather think that it was us he was pleased with, our very selves, and not our clothes.
So we offered our gifts, and went on our way.
The journey had been long and hard. But as we travelled home, we all knew that, to have seen Him, to have received His smile, was enough. We were satisfied.