Today, we have entered Epiphany. It is one of my favorite seasons in the church calendar. Mostly because my imagination has been captivated by the Magi or Wise Men or Kings. I think they are some of the coolest folks in the post Christmas story. I admire their curiosity. Think about it. They showed up to worship a new king without previous knowledge of the cultural story of a messiah in the Jewish stories. Instead, they showed up based on their own observations separate from the culturally bound stories. How so?

Prior to Jesus’ birth or even Mary’s pregnancy, NT Wright explains, there were at least two different men who on separate occasions became self-proclaimed messiahs. They each had followers and led rebellions against Roman rule…and possibly the Jewish leaders. Each rebellion was squashed when the leader was killed. It was a big deal. (Side note: This is why the disciples of Jesus kept thinking Jesus would start a rebellion.) But what does this have to do with the Magi?!

Exactly, none of the Jewish historical records seems to inform the Magi’s venturing to see and worship the newborn King. Their own careful observations and wisdom filled discussions shaped their decision to find this unusual king. When I let myself think about the Magis and their part in the story, I can see them in a room filled with maps, star charts, and some kind of measuring instruments. I see their openness to question their own assumptions in order to understand more deeply what has captured their imagination…this star that seemed different.

Their openness and questioning fuels the curiosity that leads them to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. These tools also equip them to be creative in returning home. I love their openness. I love their questioning. It led to living and leaning into the unknown or rather the coming to know. I love that their decisions based on these two characteristics (openness and questioning) could have stirred something in Joseph’s mind with the ripple effects providing escape and protection for little Jesus.

In my own life, I have missed that curiosity and openness that I once had. My own fears, stress, and misgivings during this time limits my  imaginative possibilities. I find stress and difficult experiences (insert COVID, unrest, etc) stunt my own curiosity, too. However, I think at these times imagination, curiosity, and openness are important tools to engage. I feel challenged and inspired by the Magi. I want to grow into leaning into “the coming to know”. I hope I am not alone in this inspiration and challenge.

May our hearts and minds be inspired to be curious and ask questions. May we experience new, life-giving facets in our individual lives and community.

Much love,

—Dianne