Spare No Expense

A Reflection on the Gospel for January 3rd, 2021:
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

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Matthew
2.1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the Prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

The story of the Wise Men following the star reminds me of how much I miss travelling. My husband and I will usually embark on a trip or two each year to take in the food, music, and culture of a place we haven’t been before. We really enjoy these experiences and can’t wait to have this opportunity again. 



Why did the Wise Men travel to Bethlehem? For them, it wasn’t to see the sights or to try some new food. Most Bible scholars believe them to have come from the Parthian Empire which would be the modern day Iraq/Iran area. In those days, this would have been about a 3 month trip — quite the undertaking to see a baby and bring Him gifts! And the gifts that they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh — these were costly and elaborate gifts. Not your usual baby presents. The birth of Jesus was such a special occasion that the Wise Men went “all out” to be a part of the celebration. I can only assume that they were compelled by the Holy Spirit to make this incredible journey. 


This Christmas season, how did you go “all out”? Was it in the decorating of your home, or the giving of gifts? Maybe you went all out in the amounts of food and drink you consumed, or maybe the amount of love that you gave away? Whether you feel good or bad about how you went “all out” let’s take the example of the Wise Men to lead us today. The light of Christ is always there to guide us. Make the choice to follow that Light today and every day so that 2021 can be the year that we go “all out” for God.



Let us pray: 
Jesus, You spared no expense when You came to Earth to be with us. The Wise Men spared no expense to share in the celebration of Your birth. Help me to spare no expense when it comes to loving You and letting You love me this year. Lord, I want to go “all out” for You! Amen.




Maxine Brown

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