Epiphany

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matt. 2:1-2)

Epiphany is a manifestation of the divine. We specifically commemorate the manifestation of Christ to non-Jews as represented by the Magi or wise men. When the Magi traveled to find the Christ child, their attitude was worshipful. They knew something amazing was happening and they wanted to be there to see for themselves and pay tribute. The gifts they brought indicate that the Magi had a keen understanding about the One they came to honor.

Gold - for earthly kingship

Frankincense - a symbol of deity

Myrrh - a symbol of mortality and death

King Herod also had a response this divine manifestation. The king felt immediately threatened, and in his anger he attempted to kill the Christ child.

Jesus came to upend unjust systems and lift up the powerless. Will you respond to that gift by holding tightly to what you know, or will you let go of your expectations and give your whole self to the One who gave himself for you?

11 May all kings bow down to him

and all nations serve him.

12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,

the afflicted who have no one to help.

13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy

and save the needy from death.

14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,

for precious is their blood in his sight. (Ps. 72:11-14)