The caravans of camels captivate us in Isaiah’s lovely prophecy. Those wonderful exotic animals take slow majestic steps across the desert, padding softly toward Jerusalem. They bear on their backs kings and valuable gifts. The scene is so remarkable, it winds up in every Christmas pageant, on a good many Christmas cards, and even in Matthew’s narrative about the birth of Jesus.

Or does it? If you go back and reread it, Matthew makes no mention of caravans or camels. He doesn’t even use the word kings! But he does borrow the gold and frankincense from Isaiah, embellishing them with myrrh. We’re within our rights, therefore, to return the favor and go back for the delightful caravans ourselves.

Movement is the common thread in these readings today. Prophecy kick-starts the motion of whole nations, awakened by the light of the world dawning after so much darkness. Bright enough for all to see, this light makes those who pursue it radiant with hope and possibility. August representatives from every nation are drawn to Jerusalem in awe. The psalm underscores the universality of this vision. Kings and gifts are reprised, and justice and peace are added to the wealth in this exchange.

So much is in motion here: camels and kings, tangible gifts and priceless divine promises! Then Paul adds his piece. A mystery now revealed sets tradition itself in motion. Outsiders are now insiders. Gentiles are welcomed into the promises once reserved for Abraham’s children. For many, that’s a bit much. While we’re glad when gifts and promises are moving—especially when they’re headed in our direction—we’re not always happy when traditions start to shift or are transformed in radical ways. Perhaps this divine caravan isn’t such a good idea. Some things should be fixed and immutable. When everything’s in motion, we risk the security of stable truths. Surely, Paul’s fellow Jews felt the same way we do. “Progress” is sometimes a mistake!

When Jesus is born, the heavens themselves are in motion in a way that could lead some people to vertigo. But not the Magi of the East. They’re unruffled by the movement of a star across the sky and set their hearts on following it. They take a long mysterious journey (with or without caravans and camels) because truth itself appears to be in motion, and wise folk always want to know where it’s going. In our generation, when Pope Francis is asking all of us to take the journey of faith courageously, to follow the light wherever it leads us, how many will remain behind like Herod in his palace, unwilling to take the short trip outside the walls to see God’s new incarnation?

Related scripture links

Magi in Daniel: Dan. 1:4, 20, 2:2 (Daniel as magos: 1:17)
Magi in the NT: Acts 8:9-25, 13:6-13
More kings in Isaiah: Isa. 49:7b
Other Hebrew images used: Num. 24:17 (star), Gen. 49:10 (tribute), Mic. 5:1-3 (Bethlehem)
Jesus on palaces fit for royalty: Luke 7:24-25

Catechism links

Epiphany: CCC 486; 528; 724