The final chapter of our Christmas story takes a very dangerous turn in Matthew 2:12-23. While Matthew cites the Magi were warned in a dream about Herod, I wonder. If they were in fact using the triple conjunction in the constellation Pisces as their star, this event may provide a warning all its own. Being astrologers, the Magi used the stars to foretell events and found Jesus.
For almost a year, all of the visible planets had paraded through Pisces except one: Mars. About 12 days after December 25th, Mars entered the constellation Pisces. At about the same time, Jupiter and Saturn—the Star of Bethlehem—hastily left Pisces in totally different directions. To the Magi, Mars represented war and death leading them to believe Jesus was in danger and Herod was their prime suspect. This kind of knowledge would give anybody nightmares.
The Magi must have explained to Joseph why they were taking a different route out of Bethlehem. For the Magi, taking the flat coastal road was probably an easier trail home anyway. If the Magi did not trust Herod, why should Joseph?
Have you ever had someone to tell you to sleep on a decision you were struggling to make? I have made a number of decisions while sleeping—some with angels. Your mind can analyze things better during sleep because you have fewer distractions.
Joseph had to do what he thought
was best for his family. Clearly, Joseph put his family first. By going to Egypt, Herod could die thinking he had killed the King of the Jews
.
Years ago, a priest announced to his parish he was moving back home so he and his wife could care for their aging parents. The congregation asked what they could do to get them to stay. Confused, the priest asked them if they had been listening to the family first theme imbedded in so many of his sermons. The priest was simply practicing what he had preached for so many years. No one challenged him further.
A few years back, another priest moved to Slidell from up north only to discover a son was lethally allergic to fire ants. A vacation back north allowed the son to joyfully play barefoot in the grass. Despite a wonderful ministry here, this father accepted a call north of the fire ant line.
Do you put family first?
Grace and peace in the power of the Holy Spirit.
(J. Wesley McComb is a published author and a member of Christ Episcopal Church, 1534 7th St, Slidell, 643-4531.)
© by The Slidell Independent newspaper; originally published on January 21, 2010. Used by permission of publisher and author.