You can read this story in the book of Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-12.
A casting call at Christmas
Every year Mom placed the manger scene under our Christmas tree. I loved gazing at it and moving the pieces around. Three wise men stood, no larger than the size of an egg, I would imagine their journey and gifts.
The wise men followed a star to a newborn baby, Jesus. Sailors have sailed, using stars for direction, as have travelers by foot.
But the telling of this story sounds like an impossible destination. Have you been driving at night when the moon is full, and the more you drive in its direction, the further away it becomes?
These men were not trying to reach the star, but the One who made that star shine. Jesus. God’s love with us. (1 John 4:9-10)
A casting call gets messy with a good script
Their entry on the stage from the east brought trouble for the baby…it seemed.
The wise men spoke with King Herod asking for directions to the King of the Jews, a baby. This news upset Herod and his entire Kingdom of Jerusalem. Matthew 2:3
Can you imagine? The wise men are walking in faith seeking to find Jesus. Unknown to them, they are now involved in risking his life. Herod can’t allow another King. He must do away with Jesus and set a plan in motion.
What will God do with what seems an error on the part of the wise men?
What has God called you to do?
Can you complete your calling as the wise men did?
There are going to be messy parts of your calling.
God is there to help you walk it out to completion.
When Prince Charles and Princess Diana had their first baby, the news was on the radio, in the newspapers, and in magazines. The birth announcement of Prince George, son of William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, was everywhere due to social media and online news.
These births were important.
Succession matters. The birth of the firstborn in a royal family is a hot topic. People honor this position. Envy it. Admire it. And have killed for it.
Jesus would be no different than an earthly king.
Announced he would be. And he was.
A casting call’s mess gets fixed
An angel told the wise men about a safe route away from Jerusalem.
An angel warned Joseph to gather his family and leave.
A casting call that announces God
The wise men did not simply travel all that way to worship Jesus and give him amazing gifts.
They were tasked, possibly unknown to them, to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. The King of kings. (Revelation 17:14 KJV)
Your calling also announces God.
It may not look that way from your vantage point, but I promise you it does.
Christmas is not a day or an event. It is an invitation to be part of the biggest casting call of all time. Taking your position in the never-ending Kingdom promise of earthly and eternal peace with man and God.
Lord,
Thank you for giving me a part to play in the Christmas story. May I remain focused on your direction, as the wise men were focused on the star. And remind me to do as they did when they reached their destination, to worship and praise you.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
PS Now if you will excuse me, I need to dig my managers out of our grey bin, unpack them, and place them in position. And…I would love to hear from you in the comments below. 🙂
Loved this perspective. But I’m curious, what does it mean to “dig my managers out of our grey bin, unpack them, and place them in position?”
Ha! Perhaps I should re-word that. They are the last decorations to go up this year due to a furniture issue. So they have been tucked away in their storage container.