Soon after Jeremiah"s visit, another miracle occurred.
The weather was beginning to turn cool again. Rains were sporadic, but so far, we had had no snow. I hoped we wouldn"t. I missed my family and Joseph"s as well, but we enjoyed each day with Ruth and Matthew who had become close friends and substitute grandparents to Jesus.
Jesus always played so hard he fell asleep early and I always left the curtain open to keep an eye on him.
This particular night, Joseph and I sat at the table talking, sipping hot tea. As shadows became longer, I lit a candle from our lamp and placed it in the center of the table.
I refilled our cups as night descended rather abruptly. The candle glowed, casting light into all corners of the room. It flickered as a soft puff of wind entered the not-quite-closed door. We glanced outside and down at the courtyard.
Ruth"s flowers drooped right now, but I felt they would bloom profusely in the spring. Small shrubs and bushes rustled in the slight breeze. Fronds of palm trees waved slightly.
Scents from the kitchen rose in the air to enter our door. A lamb was roasting. Garlic, onion and other herbs mingled with the odor of meat. The subtle aroma of wine floated on the air, as well as a waxy scent from the lone candle.
Suddenly, the sky brightened. “What"s happening?”
Joseph quickly stood and opened the door further. I blew out the candle and joined him.
As we stared, a light appeared. It was so bright it lit the entire courtyard. As bright as the star that brought shepherds to the manger, it hovered over the end of the building where we lived. Shadows in the far reaches of the courtyard looked like gray ghosts hovering.
It reminded me of the two other stars that preceded miraculous events. There was the star that appeared the night Jesus was conceived. The next episode was the star that stood over the manger when Jesus was born. This same star led a group of dirty, smelly, yet gentle shepherds to see the new Baby.
I turned to Joseph and asked the question without saying one word.
“I don"t know, Mary. I don"t understand either. Surely the angel hasn"t come to visit us again.”
Joseph held my hand as we worried and wondered. Suddenly, there was a clatter on the stones of the yard of the caravansary. Standing at the open door a tumult from the many people staying overnight reached our ears.
We heard people murmur as they moved as close to the walls as possible, attempting to hide from the light.
They sheltered children behind them and pulled their animals near. The animals stomped their hooves, brayed, baaed, and neighed, in fright. Faces reflected in the light exhibited fear, concern and distrust.
As we looked, the gates opened and we saw what looked like an entire army entering. People scrambled out of the way of the men and their horses. These individuals were dressed in uniforms that gleamed in the brightness of the star. They made two even lines, then stood perfectly still as camels loaded with goods entered behind them. The rest of the entourage followed and the gates were closed for the night.
I clutched Joseph"s hand. “Joseph, are those Herod"s men?”
“I don"t think so,” he said. “Surely, they have no reason to be in this tiny city. Besides, why would they bring laden camels to a place so near Jerusalem?”
We continued to stare. The Soldiers dismounted, then sent their horses for food and currying. The camels were led away by young boys Matthew had hired to accomplish this particular job each night.
We studied the men as they wearily climbed the stairs and entered the Inn. They didn"t look around before the door closed. It seemed all they could think of at the moment was getting to a stopping place.
People began to settle for the night. They pointed, but we couldn"t see what they did. They moved back to their pallets, the animals grew calm as an eerie silence descended.
Knowing Ruth was very busy, I asked. “Do you think I should go help her with these people?”
“No, Mary. You know she wouldn"t let you leave Jesus anyway.” He placed his arms around me as we walked back into our home and he closed the door. “She has more help now that their Inn has become a caravansary.”
We started to get ready for bed. I checked to see that Jesus was all right, then closed the curtain. Joseph sat on the side of the bed and untied a sandal.
Suddenly, there was a knock. So frightened I could barely breath, I watched as Joseph retied his sandal and walked with trepidation toward the door.
A rather cold whiff of wind entered as Joseph opened it. Standing in the doorway were three very large men.
They were a little short of breath from having climbed the stairs. All wore silk robes of different colors...green, blue and purple. The robes were trimmed with tassels and exorbitantly expensive furs. Sashes of golden material marched around the middle of one of the men. The other two wore their robes loose.
Jewels adorned their necks and hats. Their hats were like none I had ever seen before. Looking more like the crowns of kings and made from costly furs, linens and silks, they fit so tightly that even when they bowed, the hats remained on their heads. Embedded in them were jewels that sparkled in the light of the star.
One man carried a long crook, whose wood was polished until reflections from the star made it shine. Another carried a metal rod that resembled a scepter even taller than he and the third kept his hand on a sword embedded in its sheaf.
I might have become more frightened, but their expressions were the most benevolent I could imagine.
They looked around at our humble dwelling and one of them said, “My name is Gaspar, this is Melchior and this is Balthasar,” as he pointed to his companions. “May we come in?”
Joseph"s face turned red in embarrassment. “Please forgive me. Of course. Mary?” He turned to me, but I had already placed water at the doorway so their feet could be cleansed.
As they dried their feet and replaced their sandals, I placed a skin of wine and cups on the table and relit the candle.
Joseph said, pointing to our table where benches lined both sides. “Here is wine. Please refresh yourselves.”
They moved further into the room, then looked around until they spied Jesus, lying in the little bed Joseph made. They ignored Joseph"s offer of wine and walked toward Jesus. Somehow or other Joseph was instantly between them and Jesus.
“Praise be to God!” Gasper exclaimed, gazing around Joseph. “We have found the Child.” At that, all three dropped to their knees in front of Jesus" bed. He awoke and looked at them with an adult expression I could not describe. It was almost as though He were blessing them.
How could that be? I asked myself, then shut my eyes tightly. When I opened them, I looked directly at Him.
His expression was, as always, pleasant and happy. I must have imagined he blessed these men.
As the three knelt, they praised God for having sent a ruler who would govern His people. Joseph and I looked at each other in astonishment. We were even more astonished when, as the three arose, Balthasar spoke, “May we leave gifts for the Child?”
Joseph and I looked at each other. What was there to say?
Joseph nodded and each took a gift from his voluminous robe.
Gaspar left a large, ornately embellished, golden goblet. I"d seen work like this on Matthew"s caravan. He told me it came from Persia. When Balthasar placed a container of frankincense near the bed, I knew it must have traveled from either Arabia or Africa. Lastly, Melchior tenderly added a vial of myrrh to the gifts, an expensive gum used in perfumes and...I refused to think of the other use for myrrh.
“Come, refresh yourselves,” Joseph offered. “Or would you prefer to go to the dining room?”
They sat at the table as I placed food on it. They ate bread, cheese and figs dripping with sweetness. A few honey cakes were placed in the center of the table.
I started to close the curtains so Jesus would not disturb them if he again awoke.
“Could you please leave those open? We"ve traveled a long way to see this Child.” I don"t know who spoke.
“Of course.”
Sipping wine, they often looked at Jesus, who now slept soundly.
“Do you mind telling us from where you"ve come and why? How did you know about Jesus?” Joseph"s voice was quiet, but firm as though he expected an answer immediately.
Looking directly at Joseph, Melchior explained. “We all study the stars, attempting to discern what is to happen.”
“But how can stars tell of coming events?” Joseph asked.“That"s a very difficult question, my friend.” Melchior answered. “Since Time began, there has been talk of a Savior to be born who will save the world from its follies. We study the heavens and sometimes find answers.”
Gaspar reached for a piece of bread. “Though we"re from different countries...I"m from Persia...all of us study the stars. We reached the same conclusion and began our journeys from separate countries.”
Balthasar continued the story. “I"m from Arabia. We met many months ago in Babylon. We decided we should travel together.”
Gasper roared with laughter. “He means we"re together because it"s cheaper.” He bit into one of the honey cakes as we all laughed.
We instantly became sober as Gaspar continued. “We have looked far and wide for this Child.” He sipped his wine, then continued. “Soon after we met in Babylon and decided to look for the child together, the star appeared before us.”
“Our countries are far away to the East,” Melchior said. “While studying the heavens, a star appeared up there.
We instantly knew the Savior was now born.” He picked up a piece of bread, tore off the corner and dipped it into his wine.
Balthasar took up the story. “Each of us traveled for a very long time, following our individual stars. When we met in Babylon, three stars appeared to fuse and become one star, brighter than any of the others had ever been.
“Finally, last week we arrived in Jerusalem. We asked everyone we met if they knew where we would find the Babe.”
As the men ate, their hands moved constantly, from food to mouth, then to cloths to wipe their mouths. “Some heard of the star that covered the Heavens more than a year ago. Some had even talked with the Shepherds.”
“People still refused to believe a Savior was alive.” Balthasar said in contempt.
As the men moved, the stars in their sapphire rings caught the light from the candle, making tiny prisms dance around the room. I have never been so fascinated by anything as these three men.
“Unfortunately, Herod heard of our search and sent for us,” Gaspar again spoke. “When we went before him, we could tell immediately he was a very frightened man. He kept looking over his shoulder. It was as though he were afraid this tiny baby was going to get out of His bed and depose him immediately.”
“How very silly the man is.” Joseph stated, sipping from his wine goblet.
“No, not silly.” Balthasar said in a very serious voice, looking directly at Joseph. “A very desperate man. He has always been able to crush every foe. You know his history, I suppose.”
“A little.”
“Well, His mother, Cypros, was Arabian. His Father Antipater is Idumaean. Neither was of royal birth, so Herod is just a commoner.” Balthasar"s voice held a faint tinge of contempt as he reached for another fig.
“I didn"t know that.” I spoke without thinking. All four men looked in my direction, as I stood holding a goatskin of wine.
They smiled at my interruption and one of the men, I forget which, asked me to please sit with them. As I sat, I placed the skin on the table within easy reach. The men continued to eat: cheese, figs, bread, wine, cakes.
Gaspar proceeded with the story. “Herod"s father managed to get him appointed Prefect of Galilee. Herod fled to Egypt when the Parthians invaded Palestine, then came back to Rome. He was declared king of the Jews by Octavian and Antony.” Gasper picked up his chalice and drank, the pearls in his bracelet shining. “He invaded Palestine the next year. Years later, he drove out the Parthians and established his kingdom.”
He wiped his mouth and hands, then sipped wine as we waited for his next words.
“Herod can be very clever. He married a Jew. When there was economic hardship, he gave back to the people some of the tax money that was collected earlier. He melted down various gold objects in the palace to buy food for these same people.”
“He would then become more acceptable to some of the people, wouldn"t he?” Joseph asked.
“Oh, very much so. He did a lot of good. He rebuilt Samaria and erected the port city of Caesarea. He then enlarged the cities of Beirut, Damascus, Tyre, Sidon and Rhodes. He even built Masada, a large fortress on the top of a hill.”
Melchior spoke. “As Herod"s power grew, he ordered a number of men put to death without trial. The Jewish Sanhedrin was called together. They were about to pass sentence to put him to death, when the matter was postponed until the next day. During the night one of the judges, Simeas, helped him escape.”
Melchior took a deep breath, rubbed his stomach and smiled, then nodded at me as he continued. “Herod was so jealous, suspicious and afraid for his position and power, he had his brother-in-law, Ariostobulus drowned.
With great pomp, he provided a magnificent funeral.”
In between bites of food, the men dipped their hands into a bowl of water I"d placed on the table. They then dried their hands and continued eating as they talked.
Balthasar continued. “He has become a very wicked man. He loved his wife deeply and she bore him sons.
Once, there was a tiny bit of gossip about her. He had her put to death. He was so insane he ordered his servants to go around the palace calling her name as though she were still alive. I understand he left her room the same as when she was killed.” Balthasar shook his head in disbelief.
Gaspar spoke. “It"s pretty common knowledge among the servants that he goes into her room and talks with her when he has a problem as though she were still there.”
I shivered and Joseph took my hand.
“A few months later,” Balthasar continued, “he had his mother-in-law killed and then two of his sons.”
Joseph and I looked at each other in horror.
“What kind of man is this,” Joseph asked. “To kill his own family?”
“He is an evil and depraved man. His family had converted to the Jewish faith, but of course Herod never kept any of the laws. His court is filled with pagan excesses...sodomy, incest and adultery. He is one of the cruelest beings to have ever lived.”
Melchior said, “We discovered after we asked of the Child that Herod went to his scholars for information.
They could tell him little. He then sent for the most important Priests. He wanted to know where the Baby was born. He was told the prophets said the Christ would be born in Bethlehem.”
Joseph and I looked at each other and he clasped my hand so tightly, I must have grimaced, because he loosened his grip. I could tell he was as frightened as I.
“Just before we left Jerusalem, Herod called us to him,” Melchior continued. “When we arrived at the palace, he urged us to search diligently. He told us that when we discovered the whereabouts of the Child we were to let him know.” Melchior curled his lips in derision. “He said he wanted to come and worship the heir to the Jewish throne.”
The other two nodded their sage heads. I thought their hats might fall off, but they stayed intact, the jewels in them glittering in the light.
“Oh, Joseph,” I cried. “The baby.” I hurried to His bed, picked Him up and held Him so tightly, He whimpered.
I kissed Him as the men looked at us with a benevolent expression.
“Mary,” Joseph soothed. “It"s all right. Please put Jesus back to bed. Let Him get His sleep.”
“Of course you"re right, Joseph,” I said, and laid Jesus down. I patted His bottom until He settled down and slept. As I turned to walk back to the table, I noticed that each of the four men were smiling at me.
“We have taken too much of your time,” Melchior said, and prepared to rise.
“Oh, no. It"s been our pleasure.” Joseph said.
“Of course we will not journey back through Jerusalem.” Gaspar nodded at the other two. “There are many other routes we can take to find our way home.”
The men rose from their seats and washed their hands again then dried them.
Gasper continued, “We brought many camels loaded with trading material so we have a good excuse to go other routes to sell our goods. We will send word to Herod that we have new markets and must travel a different route.
“Herod wouldn"t dare stop us anyway. Our soldiers are some of the finest in the world. They would protect us with their lives.”
They turned as Joseph asked, “Won"t you stay the night with us?”
“Oh, no,” Melchior replied. “We already have lodgings just down the passageway. It"s one of the nicest rooms we"ve encountered since we began our journey.”
Balthasar added. “It has a door...a very rare thing, for a caravansary. But thank you for your kindness.” They walked silently back to the bed, stood looking at Jesus for a very long time, then turned.
They all nodded to both of us and walked from our home.
Other mysteries for me to ponder.
I rose from the table and walked to where Joseph watched as they strode down the corridor and turned into a room. I shivered, whether with the cold or fear, I didn"t know. Joseph closed the door and put his arm around me.
“Who were these men, Joseph? Why would they spend such a long time on a trip to look for a baby? Why would they leave such fine gifts for Jesus? And what shall we do with them?”
“Mary,” Joseph turned toward Jesus and put his hands on my shoulders, looking directly at me. “Slow down.”
“Oh.” I looked up at him.
He was smiling, but the strain around his eyes was evident.
“I"m sorry, honey. I don"t know the answers to your questions. Maybe someday God will tell us.” He slid his arms down, around my waist. “Did you know a gift of gold signifies kingship?”
“No, I didn"t know that.”
“Frankincense is a symbol of divinity.” Joseph"s voice sounded almost reverent. “We knew He was divine, but how could these three from so far away have known?”
I just shook my head, as baffled as he.
Joseph tightened his arms around me, holding me so close I thought I would lose my breath. “Joseph, what"s wrong?” He was staring at the myrrh.
“Oh, nothing,” but the sounds he made were like the heartbroken sigh of a turtledove. He lifted my chin so he could see into my eyes. “Mary, you know that myrrh is used to perfume the body when someone dies.”
If Joseph had not held me tightly, I would have fallen. “Oh, no.” My cry was only a whimper. I felt as though someone had hit me repeatedly because I suddenly remembered the voices of the prophets. They had forecast not only Jesus" birth, but his death.
His voice was comparatively calm as he said, “Come, Mary, we must get rest and prepare to leave soon.”
• • •
I heard nothing, but Jesus must have. He roused me by saying words I couldn"t understand, as though He were meeting an old friend.I opened my eyes to see an Angel hovering just above Joseph. Joseph"s eyes were closed, but he was nodding his head. He understood what was being said. Jesus laughed aloud as Joseph awoke and looked around.
“Mary? Are you and Jesus all right?” Joseph asked with concern.
“Yes, of course,” I said, sitting up, checking that Jesus was indeed all right. “Joseph, what was the angel telling you?”
“Did you see him?” I nodded, as Joseph closed his eyes and wiped his hand across his brow. He then opened his eyes wide and looked at our Son. “What was Jesus trying to say?”
“The Angel and Jesus were communicating, I think.”
Joseph looked at me with a rather strange expression.
“He was, Joseph.” I insisted. “When the Angel appeared, Jesus woke me by talking a strange language. Just before the angel left, Jesus laughed aloud.”
“Are you sure?” Joseph"s voice was shaky and uncertain. “Yes, of course, you"re sure.” He hesitated, then asked. “Did you hear what the angel said?”
“No. Was he again giving instructions?”
“Yes.”
“What do we do now?” I couldn"t believe how noncommittal my voice was. It was as though I was ready to accept anything that would save our Son. I lay down and closed my eyes not waiting for an answer.
Joseph shook me. “Mary.”
“What?”
“We can"t sleep tonight. We must prepare to leave immediately.”
“Why?” I knuckled my eyes like a child, trying to awaken.
“He said Jesus was in danger from Herod. He told me to take you and Jesus and leave immediately.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed, rose and reached for a robe.
“Are we going home?” I still felt half asleep.
Joseph took my hand, “No, Mary. The angel said I must take you and Jesus to Egypt and he would tell us when we could return home.”