The journey of the magi, and
travel journaling

While unpacking various wooden figures to assemble my mother’s Nativity scene a few Decembers ago, we realized that four additional wise men had joined the convoy. Somewhere along the way, our church’s schedule for giving these handcrafted figurines as gifts to children and young people, which we had added to our existing crèche, had hit a bump in the road – and we had seven symbolic magi seeking the newborn king in a moss-covered stable.

We laughed about these new additions, though of course there was no reason to assume that the actual number of magi was indeed three. (The church would probably not, however, have found four additional volunteer wise men for the live Nativity scene in which my brother and I served as shepherd and chorister, respectively, about 10 years ago on what was surely the coldest night on record in Michiana.) We do, however, read about three offerings: gold, frankincense and myrrh – suitable presents not for a baby, but for the life travels of a Messiah.

I have always appreciated the story of the magi. Here are studied persons, astronomers, on a journey – coming from “the east” after divining meaning in the sudden appearance of a bright star. They followed when led. They brought thoughtful, appropriate gifts and received gifts in return. They took a different path home in choosing to be changed by what they had found.

In this issue of the Bulletin, we share the reflections of alumni and current students who chose to be changed by their particular journeys, no matter the duration or destination. Before heading off on my own journeys, as do many, I pack a journal – once, my great aunt, Helen Wade Alderfer ’41, supplied me with an especially nice one – in order to record this and that along the way. So in some ways, I think of the following stories as a privileged glimpse into others’ travel journals, personal and universal in discoveries and themes.

If you have recent journeys – or other news – to share with Goshen College’s worldwide community in the Bulletin, send a note to Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Susan Edwards, 1700 South Main St., Goshen, IN, 46526, or by e-mail at susanle@goshen.edu. Traveling mercies.

Return to December Bulletin contents
Lifelong learning: the long approach home by President Shirley H. Showalter
A small boat on a big sea by Mary Lois Detweiler Miller ’50
On service: Ireland, Indiana, Mali by Jacob Liechty ’02
Lessons from Africa by Sally Jo Milne ’67 with Rachel Lapp
Pole position: uncluttering down under by Greg Lehman ’93
Dear Diary: GC senior reflects on Dominican donation by Alicia Montoya ’01

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