Clergy Column, January 7, 2010, Centre Daily Times

Rev. Dr. Diane L. Prosser, Pastor, Faith United Church of Christ, State College, PA

There’s an ancient Christian legend about the Wise Men who came to visit Jesus from the East – an event we celebrate during this season of Epiphany. As the story goes, the Wise Men started their journey with high resolve. They had seen this magnificent star in the sky from their homelands of Iran and Iraq. And putting together readings from the ancient texts of Jeremiah and Micah, the Wise Men surmised that a great king was to be born in Bethlehem, in the land of Judah. So they set out on their camels and donkeys, eager to be among those who would welcome the king with gifts and devotion.

The journey was long and difficult. It took at least a year to cross those long stretches of desert and mountain between Israel and Iran. And although the Wise Men set out with good intentions and goodwill to one another, the journey began to test their fortitude. They became weary of the ride, of the dessert wind, of long hours in the wilderness. They even became weary of one another. What had started out as a good team spirit deteriorated into petty arguments and concerns.

Who, they asked, would be the first to give their gift to the child? Who would do the speaking? And whose gift – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – had the most value or would be the most useful to the child? Without meaning to, but simply because they were human, they became alienated from each other. And as they fought, the star leading them to Bethlehem began to grow dim. Finally one night after a particularly difficult day, the star was gone! They simply couldn’t see it anymore.

For a time they wandered aimlessly through the desolate land wondering what to do next. Then one night, lost and forsaken, they stumbled onto an oasis in the wilderness. Other travelers had arrived earlier and were gathered around a shallow well in the middle of the oasis. Unfortunately, the small amount of water that had been there earlier was now gone. And the people were in despair.

Then it was that the Wise Men, without hesitation, took water bags from their camels, emptied them into the well, and invited everyone to drink. As they bent over the well themselves, dipping their cups into the cool water, the most amazing thing happened! Looking down into the water, they saw the reflection of the star. What they had lost in their pettiness and self-seeking, they found again in a true act of love. The Wise Men continued their journey, and as the Scriptures say, “saw the child Jesus with Mary his mother and fell down and worshipped him.” They then returned to their homelands with “great joy,” and shared the news of their quest.

So what does this tell us about our lives and the quests we have for love, joy, and peace during difficult days? Yes, this is only a legend, but legends have truths with universal application and appeal. And the truth of this legend is that the “star” of our longing can only be seen as we reach out to others with gestures of genuine care and love. As is sometimes said, “Only Love Can See the Star.” So the next time you lose your way, when relationships are deteriorating and the way ahead unclear, remember this legend. Look beyond your own needs and concerns. Lend a hand to someone else – perhaps with even deeper needs than your own. You’ll be amazed by the new light and hope this brings to your life. May God bless you in your journey this Epiphany.

Rev. Dr. Diane Prosser

Faith United Church of Christ

State College, PA

revprosser@comcast.net