Wise Men And Women

Wise Men and Women

About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2

Some of the most memorable gifts we receive don’t have great monetary value. Their value comes from the memories attached to them. My friend Elizabeth Byler Younts shares her mother’s favorite Christmas memory from her Amish childhood.

The melody of “Silent Night” weaved its way through the crevices of our old house. The wind echoed in tempo. I closed my eyes and sang in my heart the words. Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm, All is bright.

Every Christmas Eve Deddy would play a new harmonica, every Christmas song we knew, one after another, until the house was asleep. The next morning it would be gifted to one of us, one of the nine. In the moments I listened to this little concert, I pictured the special place I picked for Mem to place my three gifts. We didn’t have a tree like my public schoolmates. I was sure it would be a dress and a piece of fruit. Would the third gift be a harmonica this year? Was it my turn?

I fell asleep hoping I would be the lucky one to get the harmonica this year. I promised myself that if I did, I would learn to play better than anyone else. I promised that I would love to play as much as my Deddy.

You’ll be happy to hear that Esther did receive the harmonica that year and still plays all the time.

Long ago, wise men saw a star rise, and they followed it to worship the King of the Jews. Today wise men—and wise women—worship Him in other ways. They worship Him by sharing hymns. They worship Him by creating special memories with their children. They worship Him by giving gifts. Wise people today may not give gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but their gifts are still meaningful.

Dear heavenly Father, sometimes the simplest things make the most impact. Show me what to focus on this Christmas season so that I will touch a loved one’s heart.