This is one of those sacred times of the year when Christians and Jews, as well as some of other faiths, come face to face with what they believe.
The second chapter of Matthew tells Christians the story of the three Magi (wise men) following a moving star across the desert in search of a new born king. I have always loved this story, imagining the Magi on their journey across the sand – blazing hot in the day, cold at night, following that magic star until it stopped over a place pointing to the newborn king.
The word magic comes from those Magi of long ago. They were Persians, specially trained astrologers who searched the stars for signs. Their credibility depended upon the belief of others in their powers. When they proclaimed the discovery of the Christ child, their words carried weight.
As a small child, I made a crèche scene in Sunday school and painted the figures of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus and placed it on a table near our family Christmas tree. I never got around to painting the three wise men so I just placed the three figures there, looking unfinished in their white plaster, staring down at their discovery.
What had they found? Did the story really happen like this?
Whenever I encounter doubters, I always find myself wondering if it really matters precisely how the story unfolded. For me, what counted was the discovery of the living expression of God's Love on this earth.
All year long, caregivers labor in the knowledge that their work is helping make the sick better and more comfortable. They also know that caregiving becomes healing when God's Love moves through their hands.
The saga of the discovery of the Christ child is a happy story. For me, it was, and is, a cozy story of a family gathered in the humblest of settings nurturing the hope of the earth – and hope for us all.
It is the Christmas story.
Love and blessings,
Rev. Erie Chapman
Journal of Sacred Work 
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