By Manuele Teofilo
In Matthew 2 it tells us the story about the wise men following the star that led them to the new-born baby. Verse 10 and 11 read, “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
They journeyed together! In this short passage of scripture, the word “they” is mentioned multiple times. “They saw”, “they entered”, they worshipped and they gave gifts to the new-born King! If a wise man travelled alone, he wouldn’t have anyone to talk to. Or, have no one to encourage him to keep going when he felt like giving up.
There’s something about doing things together. There’s more excitement and more strength. The group could carry more gifts. It was easier to face up to a king who didn’t like the news about a new king with others beside them.
The Joy and excitement of the wise men when they finally saw baby Jesus would’ve been so great! The group would’ve been celebrating together for making it to Bethlehem after a long trip. But also filled with hope and joy to see the Saviour of the world right before their eyes.
Who are you celebrating Christmas with this year? With your family, friends or church community. If you don’t have anyone to celebrate and remember the birth of Christ with, I encourage you to reach out. Or, you may know someone that has no family to be with on Christmas day. Please consider inviting them to your celebrations.
Whatever you do to remember Jesus this Christmas make sure you do it with others. Because celebrating the birth of our Saviour is way better together!
Manuele Teofilo is Communications Coordinator at the Elevate National Support Office. He attends Gracecity Church in Auckland and lives with Cerebral Palsy.