Today
we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. We remember the visit of the three wise
men, but we also remember that Jesus came into the world for everyone-Jews and
Gentiles, rich and poor, upper class people and lower class people, humble
shepherds and wise men and so on.
It
is also a happy time or a sad time depending on how you look at it. It marks
the end of the 12 Days of Christmas and the end of the holiday season. For most
of us, the decorations have been put away for another year, the parties and celebrations
are over, visitors have returned home, and we are settling back into our daily
routines after the Christmas season. We, like the Magi, need to break away from
our daily routines and busyness to take time to look for the Christ Child. It
might mean stopping in the midst of our daily lives to pray that God will help
us center our thoughts on Jesus more than our daily lives. It might mean that
we have to put down our to-do list to pick up our Bibles to read and absorb
God’s Word.
The
wise men endured a long, difficult journey. They endured dangers, hardships and
scorn to find Christ, and so should we. When they found him, they worshipped
him, and so should we. They set an example for us as Christians to follow. The
Magi were on a quest, looking for more in their lives. They were not satisfied
with the way things were. Otherwise, they would have stayed put. Change started
for them when God made the first move and showed them a light in their
darkness. They didn’t have to follow that light, but they picked up and began a
journey that took them to Christ. They left their daily routines to find Jesus.
The
star the Magi followed was not a natural phenomenon. It is a reminder that we
need divine intervention to find out where Christ is in our lives. The busyness
of our everyday lives can distract us from seeing the Messiah. When the light
of Christ dwells in us, it guides us and blocks out the light from outside,
worldly distractions. The light of Christ gives us the strength we need to make
the name of Jesus known throughout the world.
The
wise men studied the stars and believed in astrology. They believed that a
person’s destiny was influenced by the star they were born under. They believed
that if something strange happened in the sky, it was because God was breaking
into the natural order to announce some special event. That is why they noticed
and followed the star of Bethlehem. They had a limited sign and came to the
Messiah, but those who knew the truth about God, his words and actions failed
to take the Messiah’s birth seriously when they found out about it. In fact,
they, like Herod, saw it as a threat to their positions and their way of life.
Herod even saw it as a threat to his rule.
The
Magi could not return to their old way of living after they met the Messiah,
and we can’t return to our old way of living after we meet the Magi. Jesus’
presence changes everything. There is more to life than our routines and
careers. Life has more meaning now because the light of God’s presence is among
us.
Those
who refused to take the Messiah’s birth seriously were wrong. Jesus was a
threat to their positions and their way of life because he challenged their way
of doing things. He challenged them to change their ways, accept God in faith
and follow his ways and teachings. He was ignored and despised not only because
he challenged the established way of doing things, but also because he was not
the type of Messiah people were looking for. They were looking for a Messiah
who would come from the established ruling class and drive out the Romans.
Instead, they got a humble servant who came from earthly parents who belonged
to the lower classes of society. This fit in with one part of God’s plan for
salvation-concern for the poor and disadvantaged members of society.
Epiphany
is more than the inclusion of the Gentiles as part of God’s Kingdom. It is
about breaking down the barriers that divide people. It challenges us to
reconsider how we look at people whom we see as being outside the boundaries of
God’s love. We must remember that God’s love knows no boundaries. We must take
off our spiritual blinders and welcome those whom we don’t want to love.
The
wise men represent us in God’s plan. They represent everyone who sets out in
search of a king and finds the son of God. They gave Jesus the most precious
material gifts they had, but each and every one of us can give him something
even better-ourselves. Those who, like Herod and the chief priests and scribes,
try to derail God’s plan for salvation will fail. They are no match for God or
God’s people. God loves everyone, and Jesus came to save everyone.
The
Magi were foreigners in the eyes of the ruling class, but Jesus was of keen
interest to them. They went out of their way to find him and set treasures before
him. The gifts the Magi brought were symbolic. Gold was a gift fir for a king,
and Matthew’s Gospel introduced his Jewish audience to a king who would rule
with love instead of hate, peace instead of violence. Frankincense is a gift
for a priest. Jesus ministers to God on behalf of men. Myrrh is a gift for
someone who is about to die. Jesus came to die for us on the cross. As we end
another Christmas season, one of the best things we can do is to think about
what gifts we can bring to him.
2.
Augsberger,
M.S. and Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s
Commentary Series, Vol. 24: Matthew (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.;
1982)
3.
Stanley,
C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life
Principles Bible, NASB (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 2009)
7.
Jude
Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, Epiphany of the Lord (A)”. Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org
9.
Fr. John
Boll, O.P., “Volume 2, Feast of the Epiphany (A)” Retrieved from Volume2@preacherexchange.org
10.
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