In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: `And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Let us Pray: God of Light and Revelation, You shine in places we do not expect and call us to journeys we do not fully understand. Give us the courage of the Magi, to follow the star of Your presence even when the road is long and unfamiliar. Give us the wisdom to recognize Your Christ in the faces of strangers, in the cries of the oppressed, in the quiet places where hope is born. Scatter the shadows of fear and injustice, and make our lives gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh— offered in love, rooted in faith, and shaped by the cross that leads to resurrection. Lead us home by another way, transformed by the Light that no darkness can overcome. Amen
Epiphany is the feast of revelation, the moment when Christ’s identity shines out beyond the boundaries of Israel and draws the nations into God’s saving story. It is not merely about the Magi arriving at a house in Bethlehem; it is about the world awakening to a light that refuses to be contained. It is also a story about listening to God. This piece of scripture contains so much. It shows how rulers can abuse power, it shows that God can keep those in need safe, and it shows God’s love for His son and for the world. Epiphany is the moment when Christ’s identity shines out beyond the boundaries of Israel and draws the nations into God’s saving story. These Magi, travelling from a foreign and non-Jewish nation, reveal that Jesus came for all people and all are called to adore Him. It also shows both awe and wonder and also shows violence and deception. The Magi who are seekers of a Light they do not yet understand are outsiders, intellectuals, astrologers, and are ones who read the world differently. God used what they were familiar with to call them to adore Christ. He used a star. They understood the stars and when they saw this new and unique star over Bethlehem, they realized that something special was happening. They remind us that God’s grace is not restricted to insiders. The Magi brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three gifts, presented to our Lord, show that they acknowledged this Child as the Divine King who would die to save us from sin. Gold is for a King, frankincense is a burnt offering to God, and myrrh is used for one who would die. Thus, their adoration is grounded in the truth of who this Child is. What things can we take from this for our own lives? God will use what is familiar to us to call us to Himself. Look for the “star” that God is using to call you. It’s closer than you may think. Finally the Magi laid their lives down before Him in complete surrender and adoration. They set a perfect example for us.
Let us Pray: Grant us, O Lord, the will to accomplish all that pleases you; the strength to do all that you command and the reverence to respect all that you have made; for your own name’s sake. Amen. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
Reflections by Bob 