Writing as Magi by Tina Yeager

Writing as Magi

by Tina Yeager

“…the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh”

(Matthew 2:9-11, NIV).

Naysayers derided us for seeking a Christmas tree before Thanksgiving, but we drove an hour to the acclaimed lot and searched the aisles until we found the one meant for us. With perfect height and fullness, this first-shipment pine stretched its boughs wide to fill our home with its fragrance. Over the ensuing days, I layered due splendor over its arms.

Now, our glorious tree shines at the heart of our home. A lamb-white skirt swaddles its base, awaiting our gifts. The resplendence exhorts my writer’s spirit, much like a star once beckoned wise men to persevere and follow a light through the darkness.

I wonder how many naysayers chided the Magi for traveling too far or too early to seek an infant king. After enduring untold perils on the journey to pursue a promise they could not yet see, an evil ruler attempted to intercept them. But they did not allow hardships or worldly influences to distract them from their purpose.

When the Magi arrived at their appointed destination, the circumstances could not have met their expectations. Instead of within palace walls, Jesus met them in a humble dwelling. Yet Scripture shows no indication these wise men reacted with disappointment. They did not balk from their calling for an instant. The Magi offered the Lord the treasures suited to his priesthood, royalty, and Messianic role.

The Lord often calls us to honor him as truth-bearers long before others recognize his guiding light before us. Naysayers may rebuke us for the timing, cost, or extent of our mission. Throughout the long, perilous writing journey, an evil oppressor attempts to derail us from serving God. When we arrive at an occasion to offer our gifts, we often meet the Lord in more humble circumstances than we had expected.

The story of the Magi and our resplendent Frazier fir remind me to establish Christ’s glory at the center of my purpose so I won’t balk at serving him with my words. More potent than balsam, the fragrance of his presence fills my soul with gratitude. His light inspires, empowers, and guides me. Like the wise men, I may joyfully lay down my resources, time, and anointing to honor Jesus. He awaits the gifts I offer at his feet, which may become blessings to be shared with the world.

As we approach the fragrant boughs of our callings to write this Christmas, let us persevere like wise men and seek to share our gifts with joy. May the words we lay down honor the King of Kings and serve as resplendent blessings to a dark world.

Immanuel, thank you for calling me to worship you. Even when my purpose makes no sense to the citizens of this world, I praise you in advance for lighting my way and guiding me onward. Please protect me from evil and help me to persevere without hesitation. Keep me in the center of your will. Let me offer the words and gifts that honor who you are and fulfill your perfect purpose. Amen.

Award-winning author, speaker, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast a YouTube channel, and the Flourish Today radio show. She serves as membership director for Christian Women in Media Association, on the marketing team for STRUCK the Series Streaming TV show, and as Director of Traditional Groups with Word Weavers International. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.

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