IT IS NOT COOL to be lost in a well populated foreign country. That was my experience while studying in Singapore a few years ago.
A colleague of mine from Ethiopia joined me to explore one of the shopping areas in that well organised, beautiful city state.
We made a major mistake, however, in not registering the route bus we were to take to return to our institution of learning. After much anxiety we were relieved to spot a police officer, who gave us the directions we needed. My adventurous experience reminded me recently of this season of the year when many people get lost in the city.
It is not that they do not know their way around the city, but it is a case where they cannot locate Jesus Christ in the city. They find clothes, curtains and cards, but not the Christ. They acquire toys and things but not a desire for the author of Truth.
They are able to discover decorative lights but have no yearning for the Divine Light. They look for gifts for family, friends and even foes but none for the founder of this festive season called Christmas.
Some wise men from the East had a similar problem of being lost in the city about 2 000 years ago. They set out on an extremely long journey, ignored the Star, their unusual “tour guide” when they got near the city, and ended up looking for Jesus at the wrong location.
No one seemed to have known what they were talking about. This narrative is found in the book according to St Matthew Chapter 2 Verses 1-12.
The question which these well-to-do wise men raised was: “Where is He that is born King of the Jews, for we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him?”
The question set off some alarm bells in that busy city for a high-profile political leader, some spiritual leaders, and the general populace. The Matthew account states that “King Herod was troubled (became anxious or distressed) and all Jerusalem with him”.
Troubled political leader
King Herod was one of the most feared ruling political figures at that time. It is said that he killed off 45 of the wealthiest people in Jerusalem who opposed him, murdered his father-in-law and brother-in-law, killed three of his sons, executed one of his trusted friends and slaughtered 300 military leaders all in one day.
Jewish historian Josephus said: “Herod inflicted such outrages as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men.”
This political strongman had chalked up a long record of hideous crimes both privately and publicly. No doubt, he was “troubled” during that time that is now called Christmas. Apparently, up to that time, no one was able to stop this ruthless Roman emperor.
The news of these “lost” strangers from the East who were enquiring of the birth of the King of Righteousness was bad news for Herod and it caused him to tremble in his boots. He was petrified. His sins might have finally caught up with him.
Within recent years, all across the world, the high level of corruption among politicians has been astounding. With such an awesome responsibility resting on the shoulders of political leaders to give selfless leadership to their respective populations, the story of King Herod should be a timely reminder that there is a righteous king and judge to whom they are all accountable. Spiritual leaders were also disturbed by the presence of these “lost” men from the East.
Troubled spiritual leaders
The top brass within the religious circle seemed to have been caught off-guard by the news of Jesus’ birth.
St Matthew implied that these brilliant biblical scholars may have been “lost” in a different way. They may have raised some searching questions among themselves.
Why had the birth of the Saviour of the world taken place and they were not aware? How is it that “strangers” to the scriptures were given the good news and they were not? Why did God leave them in the dark? Why did they have to be summoned by an infamous political leader to recognise that their names were not on the list of those invited to celebrate with the Christ of Christmas?
Are we so caught up with our own agendas that we have disqualified ourselves from being told about the birth of the Saviour of the world?
It may be time for honest introspection to make sure we have not lost touch with our spiritual tour guide, the Holy Spirit.
If the spiritual leaders of a country and the political directorate are in a state of distress, the chances of the general populace suffering a similar fate are great.
Troubled citizens
The general population was going about their normal business in the city oblivious of the arrival of the Christ of Christmas, as well as some “lost” foreign visitors who had a special invitation to celebrate with the family of the newborn King.
The news created more than curiosity for them. It was troubling. It caused them to think very seriously about what this fresh revelation could mean for them.
Perhaps it is time for every citizen to pause and think about his/her actions this Christmas season and ask some hard questions like: “Am I really celebrating the occasion of Jesus’ birth or am I, like many, lost in the city doing things that have nothing at all to do with the author of Christmas?”
Be honest with yourself and make the kind of decision that would receive the smile of approval from the Christ of Christmas.
Unfortunately, on Christmas Day, the One who is being celebrated by many citizens every year is never invited to or acknowledged by the organisers of the many “birthday parties” hosted for Him. How sad.
Don’t let that be your experience this Christmas. Be a wise person and focus on Jesus this Christmas. Enjoy yourself by giving Him thanks in everything you do, above all for His unconditional love towards you.
Have a fabulous Christmas.
• Haynesley Griffith is a marriage and family life consultant. Email: griffitharticles@gmail.com