The Kitchen Sink
An occasional piece of paper
January 7, 2007
Vol. 10 no. 01

Everything But...
           Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you. That is not Biblical, of course, though Rory Allen is known for singing Gospel. Yet, as long as we expand the category to women, it is quite biblical in the description of one’s relationship to God. Were the original Wise Guys or Magi foolish in their rush to see what was underneath the star? It is usually hard to be cautious when God is involved.
          I have been long chagrined by the “Advent Police” - usually United Church clergy whose pretensions to theological acumen consist of declaring forbidden any mention of Christmas during the Advent season. No Christmas Carols, no creche scenes, and recently I heard that one such theologian does not allow the thought of Magi before their time (January 6th). I guess if they come early, they won’t show up next year. Will people be naively expecting Wise People to show up at any time of the year? You have to control those Magi or everybody has to wise up!
          Magi aside, wisdom is never easy to find or to recognize, because there are so many pretenders. The wisdom most of us yearn for and need is the ability to see inside the nature of someone or something or some action and by experience know what to do next. People are not always wise about everything. I know some who are exceptionally wise and perceptive about their work and vocation, but are foolish about the world and its people outside the office or factory. We enjoy poking fun at the denizen of the ivory tower, the professor who can write books, but can’t boil an egg or carry on a conversation with a child. Can’t have too many Magi around at any one time. In Frankfurt am Main there is a “Dreikonigskirche” - Church of the Magi. Ought to be a Three Magi United Church - open all year.