Matthew 2:1-12

Epiphany is the celebration of Jesus’s incarnational birth. In our Christian tradition it is marked by the journeying of the Magi, or wise men, to meet the child. Every January 6, people all over move the wise men to be by the manger, joining the crowd in the nativity scene. This recognition is that the birth of Jesus was bigger than the world thought. We were fortunate this year to have the Christmas Star or Jupiter and Saturn’s great conjunction. For me, the star was a reminder of the wonder of how God sometimes works. It made me think. What was it like for these Magi to come traveling to see this Child? What ignited their curiosity and drove them to see it for themselves? Not only were they curious about the Child born “king of the Jews” they had the audacity to ask Herod about it. They brought gifts and upon arriving to see Jesus they were “overwhelmed with joy.” Excitement, hope, and joy filled their hearts. We have experienced the surprise and joy of Christmas. God came to dwell among us and knows what is like to be human in this world. The wisemen were supposed to return to Herod to tell him where the baby was but in their dreams they were warned not to. Instead, the caravan decided to return by a different route. How did this journey change them? What did they go home proclaiming about the birth of Jesus?  We have the same opportunity. The joy of Christmas does not have to fade with the taking down of trees and lights or be filled with the regrets of what this season should be like. Having experienced Christmas we have to reflect on what it means to us. God has come into the world as a child. What does this mean to you? Does it change anything? My prayer is that it would. May we never be the same again. As we begin 2021, let us hold on to the hope that they Magi experienced. Christ is born!

“The world recognizes heavenly in this tiny Child. And the Child recognizes the people of God in [The Magi]. This is not a Christian child only; this Child belongs to the world.” -Joan Chittister