This is a video for Sufjan Stevens' Star Of Wonder, from his Christmas Songs album.
This may seem a bit late, now that it's January 6th and all, but actually, I've got a reason for posting it today. :)
Today is the day of Epiphany, a day when the coming of the wise men is celebrated, much as Christ's birth is celebrated on December 25th. Way back in the day, there was this thing called the Twelve Days of Christmas, or 'Christmastide', when the coming of Christ was celebrated, from December 25th to January 6th... there's still some people that celebrate it this way, I'm sure, but I imagine most don't nowadays... but, I thought I'd celebrate a bit by posting this. :)
So, at least in some circles, today, Epiphany, is the official end of the Christmas season. :)
For a little education, the wise men (or Magi), contrary to what many Christmas cards would have us believe, actually showed up two years after Christ's birth, according to the Gospel of Matthew (better late than never, I'd say). And also, there's really no certainty that there were three of them. The Gospel of Matthew doesn't say how many there were. The educated guess is three because they brought three gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). :)
Anyways, I've always liked the story of the wise men.
Just the picture in my mind of some old men, traveling alone through the night in the desert, under the stars, captures my imagination...
And it makes me wonder... What were they thinking? And did they have any doubts? Did they wonder if they were just crazy sometimes, following some star to find a child in some obscure town?
I can relate to their journey. It must have been long and hard, and they must have wondered what they would find, and maybe if it was even worth the journey. But they kept going, and they had faith, and hope... and finally found what they were looking for... which is encouraging to me. :)
Also, I love gazing at the stars. Sometimes I go out, when the weather's good, and with my dog usually, in the middle of the night, and walk out under the stars and think, and pray, and explore... sure beats watching TV, I'll tell you. :)
Well, I hope you enjoy this video. :)
May you too wonder when you think of these things, and may you be able to someday find the One that the Magi were seeking, and that I've been seeking to, the One who made the stars, and us, and came to save...
Here's the lyrics :)
I call you
From the comet's cradle
I found you
Trembling by yourself
When the night falls
Lightly on your right-wing shoulder
Wonderful know-it-all
Slightly where the night gets colder
Oh, conscience,
Where will you carry me?
I found you
Star of terrifying effigies
When the night falls
I carry myself to the fortress
Of your glorious cost
Oh, I may seek your fortress
When the night falls
We see the star of wonder
Wonderful night falls
We see you
We see you
I see the stars coming down there
Coming down there to the yard
I see the stars coming down there
Coming down there to my heart
[Repeat x 10]
I see the stars coming down there
Coming down there to the yard
These days, days, days run away
Like horses over the hills
5 янв 2011
