DISCLAIMER: Yes, we know there was no such thing as e-mail back then. It's unlikely that Mary called Elizabeth "Girl," and who even knows the name of Herod's guard? Certain aspects of this wonderful and beautiful story have been "tweaked" for dramatic purposes. Our goal is to look deeper into the story, to wonder what these people may have been thinking. We want to help your congregation see the birth of the Christ child as if it were happening for the first time. We'd like you and them to experience the joy and awe as they did so long ago on the first Christmas. 

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To: Sarah

From: Melchior

My Dearest Sarah:

I miss you more than I can say. We knew this journey would be long, but it has not been a fool's errand. The star that we are following grows brighter as we get closer. I don't believe we are closer to the star, I think the star simply grows brighter in the sky.  We have all been asking, closer to what or to where? We are not sure. Gaspar says we are heading in the direction of Bethlehem, but I think we will be passing through. Why would God in heaven choose a little town like Bethlehem to bring us the Messiah?

Then again, why would God send us? 

Thank you for packing the mint leaves. They have been a great help with our camels' digestion. Gaspar and I are thinking of giving some to Balthazar. He snores worse than the camels and regarding his other problem…well, let's just say that we make him ride in the back of the line.

I know you are lonely. So am I. I know you wonder if this is a fool's journey; and sometimes, quite honestly, so do I.

Balthazar and I have been watching the stars for years…this event…this alignment…never has happened. There were always patterns. There were always things you could count on…the stars being in their places was one of them. When this new light appeared, we knew it was a sign. We knew it was God's sign.

Look around you, Sarah. The world is coming apart. The government is out of control. Where there were once three or four prophets in the market screaming, now there are dozens. We knew something was going to happen; and when this new star appeared, it could be only one thing: The Messiah is coming.

Balthazar has brought gold, lots of gold. He can afford it. He isn't bragging this time, though. He hasn't even mentioned how much he has with him. He doesn't count his coins in front of us like he has in the past. He is not the same. Gaspar has brought Myrrh.  We told him it was not appropriate. We told him to bring some fine linen for this King's robe, but he wouldn't hear of it. Who brings a burial resin to a baby?