Our Wandering Wise Men - December 5

THAT OTHER THING WITH FEATHERS

Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar happened upon some ladies at “tea.” (Literally and figuratively)  Whatever the women were whispering about seemed like tasty morsels indeed.  A young maiden was betrothed to a righteous man, but she was found to be with child, and now there were wild speculations about the father of the child.  The wise men were trying to eavesdrop, but alas, playmobile figures are “the works of men’s hands …ears they have, but they hear not.” (Psalm 115:4-6)

WESLEY’S QUESTION:   Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?

SCRIPTURE:  “Beside that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.” (1 Timothy 5:13) see also Prov 18:8, 26:22, James 1:26

FOOLISH WISDOM:  This query struck at Melchior’s heart, as he was certainly guilty of “clocking the tea” as the rizzlers say.  So, he asked Balthazar how he might rectify the situation.  “Simple,” said Balthazar, “There is something hidden in your pillow, take it  up to the highest roof in Bethlehem, cut it open with your scimitar, and come back to tell me what you find.”  Melchior did as he was told,  and came back saying he had found nothing.  “Nothing, no feathers?” asked Balthazar.  “Well yes.   Those.” said Melchior.  “Excellent.  Now go back and collect all those feathers and bring them back to me.” said Balthazar.  “I cannot collect all the feathers, Balthazar -it was a windy night on the highest roof in Bethlehem, there’s no telling where they have gone.”  Said Balthazar, “That is gossip.” (adapted from Philip Neri)

MUSIC SELECTION

The First Nowell by Anna Laura Page

Laura Hesse, piano

© 2015 Lorenz Publishing Co.

The music is presented with permission under One License X-732009.