Artwork:
Journey of the Magi by James Tissot, (1894) is an opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper. Tissot captures the Maji from the Gospels with exceptional detail of the vast, arid landscape of the volcanic hills on the shores of the Dead Sea between Jericho, the Kedron Valley, and Jerusalem.

Advent Devotional

This carol was the first Christmas song composed in the United States to achieve widespread popularity. Episcopal priest John Henry Hopkins wrote both the words and the music in 1857, and his family and friends enjoyed the carol so much that he published it in 1863. The story told by the carol is about the journey made by a group of Magi who were following a star. Not much is known about them. Tradition tells us there were three in number, but that number comes from the fact that St. Matthew records they presented Jesus and His family with three gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It is likely that a large entourage accompanied them, swelling their numbers to over one hundred. They were from the region of Babylon and were members of the learned class as either priests or advisors to kings.

Perhaps what is most striking about them is how they differed from Herod after Herod summoned them for a secret meeting regarding who the men were searching for. Herod is afraid; the three Magi are eager. Both are seeking someone. Herod is seeking the one who he wants to kill. The Magi are seeking the one through whom they can find life. Herod is seeking the one against whom to commit a great sin. The Magi are seeking the one who would forgive all their sins.

Prayer

O King of Nations,
come. The hope and cornerstone
who makes from many, one.
You fashioned us in Eden
your earthen vessels, save.
We lay our gifts before You.
The greatest gift You gave.