Waiting for the Wise Men...

As I write this, a few lazy snowflakes are falling. Five minutes ago, I could barely see across the street – five minutes from now, it could be the same. Just now, though, the sun is trying to shine…

That’s Idaho in winter (or any other time of year) for you – if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.

I was reading a reflection this morning on a website I visit regularly, written by a priest in County Cork, Ireland. In it, he lamented the fact that just as everyone is putting all their Christmas decorations away, the feast of Epiphany is upon us – the time the Christian church celebrates the coming of the Magi to the Christ Child. Sort of like showing up at a big party just as everyone’s leaving…

I haven’t put away my Christmas things yet. I got a late start on decorating this holiday season, because the first half of the month I spent every spare moment I wasn’t working studying for a big Latin exam. I took the test on December 12th, and it was only after that I started preparing for the season in earnest.

Then, too, I have had many things to celebrate lately – and the festive air around me here reflects my mood: the lights, the candles, the spangles I don’t have up any other time of year.

So for a couple more days, it will still be the Christmas season here for me. I will wait, and journey with the Wise Men – rejoicing all the way…