Where did they go? These magi from the East sent by a madman to find the newborn king so that he might destroy him? They returned to their country by another route. But then what? Did they spend their lives on the lam, always in fear of Herod? Did he ever find them? Were they the unknown martyrs that we don’t know about?

The magi offer gifts and gifts often bring us a symbol of security. When someone offers us a gift we are somewhat assured of their fondness for us. It is a reminder that they were once with us and when we see that gift we remember and are touched by that now mystical presence.

These men lived out their faith perhaps on secret after giving that gift. And whether or not the story is historically accurate is not the point. For the three kings are us. We need to care for the financially destitute with our gold and riches, offering it when we have more than enough, even if it makes us a bit less comfortable. We need to offer our frankensence, the fragrance of our lives that sweetens the lives of others. Our prayers too rise to God, not merely for ourselves but for those far off who we often don’t think of until we get wind of a stinky situation.

And we need to care for those who are dying with the myrrh that anoints those with the healing balm that God gives them. May we comfort the dying with our good news of Christ’s love for us and their families with the comfort that God can bring to all.

Today may we greet one another as kings who welcome God into our lives. And how we are a gift to Christ. Amen.