Wise Guys

If I’m not careful some might think that I’m anti-Santa. Let the record clearly show that I believe in Santa. Not the mythical character who lives at the North Pole surrounded by elves and reindeer. I believe in Santa one of the most legendary of all “wise guys.”

By now you’re wondering, “Who are these wise guys and what do they have to do with Santa?” Around our house we know Santa Clause as Kris Kringle or St. Nicolas who gave gifts to those in need especially at Christmas time. Like Santa, wise guys today continue the tradition of gift giving each year at Christmas.

Why do wise guys give gifts at Christmas? You might think it began with the first wise guys better know by many as the Magi or Wise Men who traveled from the east with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the new born King of the Jews. Matthew includes the story of these Gentiles (outsiders from a Jewish perspective) but who played such a big part in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. God used their gifts to provide for Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus’ escape to Egypt from King Herod’s murderous threat (see Matthew 2).

At Christmas no manger scene is complete without these “three kings” presenting their gifts to the newborn baby Jesus. I hope this does not spoil your Christmas but Matthew is careful to point out that these Magi did not find a newborn baby Jesus in a stable but instead “they entered the house and saw the child with his mother.” King Herod believe the “baby Jesus” could be as much as two years old. Why is this little detail so important? It shows the wisdom of God - “the Ultimate Wise Guy.”

• "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

“Wise Guys” like Santa don’t give to remember the Magi and their gifts. Wise guys give to remember the greatest of all gifts - God’s Son, Jesus. “God loved the world so much He gave. . .” (John 3:16 NLT). And who would have thought? God includes outsiders like the Magi and “wise guys” like you and me to be a part of His story of love and forgiveness. So give like a wise guy. Make each present a reminder ofJesus, the gift of Christmas.