The Epiphany of the Lord

The Magi evoke the importance of alertness in the spiritual life. We must keep our eyes open to God's hand in the world and respond. The Magi come bearing three gifts: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Gold is symbolic of Christ the King. Frankincense is used for worship in the Temple, and Myrrh a perfume, was used to anoint dead bodies.

Whether the Magi were wise men from the east, kings from distant lands, or astrologers following a cosmic event, is not essential to the story. But what is significant is that they were gentiles. Their acknowledgment of Jesus as Savior emphasizes that he is the Messiah for all the world, not just for the Jews.

The Star not only led the Magi to the child, but is also symbolic of their enlightenment, the realization that it was Jesus' very humanity that mattered, not his wealth or social status. How does the Magi's journey to find the Christ child, born in a manger, resonate with your own journey to find Jesus in your own life? 

Scripture Readings for January 7, 2024

Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12