Matthew 2:1-12.After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came.&On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage...and offered him gifts.

On a Christmas Day more than twenty years ago, I watched seven people slip inside the front door of the nave during the last hymn of the eucharist. The women and girls were well-dressed and each wore a corsage. "We are Muslim, from Turkey. We don't know what to do," one of the women said. "We know this is Jesus' birthday. We wanted to be in God's house and honor Jesus and Maria."

What an unexpected delight! I took them on a tour of the church explaining the stained glass windows, the objects and symbols of our faith, and answered their many questions. The woman interpreted for the young ones who knew no English. They were most visibly impressed with the crèche. When it was time to conclude, we thanked each other, and I gave each of them a candle and a poinsettia. They asked if they might leave something as well. One by one, each of them removed her corsage and laid it before the crèche. Soon, they were out the door into the cold. I felt I had met the magi.

PRAY for the Diocese of Central Zambia (Central Africa)

Ps 72:1-7, 10-14; Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12

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For Today Prayer. Click here.