Session 5: Wise Visitors

As you enter into this time of prayer, let yourself grow still before God.
You might like to focus for a moment or two on the sounds around you, or the rhythm of your breathing. Then, let those go – they will continue without your attention – and simply rest quietly in God’s presence, preparing to hear God’s word.

Scripture
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew…
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.

First: As we begin, bring to mind the three persons of the Trinity, looking on our world with love, seeing its beauty and brokenness. We remember that out of love for us, the Second person becomes human to save us.

Second: This passage is the story of a journey, a journey with a definite goal in mind. You might like to picture it taking place in a landscape you’re familiar with. A small group of travellers, bringing their gifts, and seeking directions. Do you see mountains, rivers and forests? Or perhaps you focus on a journey through city streets, squares and alleyways. Let the scene of the journey the travellers are making gradually unfold before your mind’s eye.
Third: These travellers are clear about what they want. They want to find the new-born king of the Jews. But what do you want from God, in these moments of prayer? Perhaps you, too, simply want to find Jesus. Or perhaps there is some other desire or need close to your heart. Take a moment to ask for whatever you want or need just now.

Now move to whatever it is that is the central point of this passage for you today. Perhaps it’s the journey itself that these wise travellers are making, and which you join them on. Maybe you stand alongside them during their wary interview with Herod. Or you might focus on the moment when they meet the Christ-child and offer their gifts.

Once you’ve reached the central point of this story for you today, simply stay with whatever scene you have picked out. What do you see there? What do you hear? What is being said, and what remains unspoken?
If you are aware of being alongside these travellers from the East, what is it that you want to say, or to do in this moment? How might you react to the Christ-child, or to Herod, or to the travellers themselves?

Finally, take a step back, and notice what has most struck you in this time of prayer, where you have found yourself most moved. Take a moment or two to speak of this with Jesus, the goal of the travellers’ search. Or with the Holy Spirit, who has guided them on their journey. Or with God the Father, as he watches his Son begin the mission on which he has been sent.