But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore, he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. Micah 5: 2-5

These words from Micah indicate a knowledge that a ruler would come forth, anticipating a new beginning. No mention of a Messiah, to Jesus. It was about overcoming an anticipated attack on Jerusalem, rising up out of the ruins; a new Jerusalem and a new David from Bethlehem.

Matthew reinterprets these words to point us to Jesus. And there were three who would follow the brightest of stars to find the One born to be this new David, a ruler, yet a child. A baby who would be a king, but not that kind of king. These wise ones knelt down as they presented gifts, who recognized this little one for who he is and would become. They followed, they complied, and they go – as commanded.

They also defied (“gulp”) another king. They return home “by another way.” They don’t cooperate, and they go against the will of a strong ruler. They are not bound to the agenda of another, despite his position of power.

As we observe the star rising in this new season, this new year, might we find our “other way” where we are faithful and courageous, persevering and light-seeking, all while remaining intact with our communities. In the darkness of short days and long nights, in the shadow of the powers that be, may we find hope in the pinpoint of light which is both in this world and beyond. Dear friends, let us be wise as we comply, and let us also be wise in finding another way. Let us follow the one born under the star in wise and wonderful ways.