Meet Macrae Smith

Every Christmas, my family hosts a Christmas pageant for our neighbors. In my earlier years, I always wanted to be one of the kings, because I loved being royalty. Recently, however, the part of the camel has fallen to me, meaning that I carry a wise man on my back.

One thing that always intrigued me was that everyone in the skit was so excited for the baby, except Herod. I understand why Herod hated this new king, because He threatened Herod’s reign. Yet, most others in Bethlehem seemed to be more distracted than actually joyful that night. Our passage demonstrates that the wise men had more excitement and faith than the Israelites. I find it ironic that the people who had been waiting since the time of Abraham for a Savior cared less about Him than foreign astronomers did. While these foreign wise men gave Jesus riches, His own people gave him a manger full of straw. Although Jesus does not desire earthly riches, still you would think His people would celebrate His coming.

The Israelites claimed they wanted a Savior to change their circumstances, but did they really? As humans, we say we want something better, but when it is provided to us, we do not appreciate it because it is not exactly what we had in mind. I think we like being in control more than anything else. While God’s chosen people selfishly planned for a Savior that they could control, these foreigners celebrated the love that God has for other people.

Do we as Christians do the same thing? We say we want Christ to destroy the evil in this world as if He is ours to command, but are we willing for Him to destroy the evil we cling to in our own lives? Do we trust Christ because we think we can control Him to do what we desire, or do we trust Him to do what He desires for us? I hope this year we focus less on being in control and instead are more amazed at—and grateful for— God’s love for us.