But, he knows the prophesies. He knows the Torah and the Talmud. According to him, this new King will be King of kings and will die. He will love us, and He will be broken. He will save us, and He will be condemned. Gaspar says the mother of this child will understand, but how could she? How could any woman know this? What kind of girl are we going to see?

I am too old for this. I am feeling much older these days away from you. I look at the light in the sky, and I hope you are looking at the same star. For a moment, it makes me feel like we are not a year's journey apart but only a few inches away.

What will I do when we have given the baby our gifts? What is our purpose then? Will this Messiah even know we were there? Will His mother tell Him stories about the stargazers from the east who showed up at His front door? Will He smell the incense and ask His father where it came from?

I consider myself honored. I won't live to see this baby become a man. I won't live to see Him lead His people out of their slavery.  But, Sarah, I promise you that as we get closer to where the star shines…I feel hope. I haven't felt hope for these people in a long time. I was content to sit with you and grow old and let the world go by; but Sarah, I feel hope. After this journey, nothing will be the same for any of us again.

I will be home soon.

Your loving Melchior

The third candle is lighted during the Scripture reading.

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 9:1-7 (NIV)

¹ Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan--

² The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

³ You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.

⁴ For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

⁵ Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Closing Prayer

God, don't let us get tired now. We have come so far. Give us strength and patience. Let us feel Your reassuring hand on our shoulders. Help us prepare our minds and hearts and souls for the gift that is almost here. Amen.

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