On Sunday the Christmas season moves up a notch with the observance of Epiphany. At Epiphany the Church celebrates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, captured in the visit of the Magi to the young Christ-child in Bethlehem. Matthew’s gospel gives us the account in chapter 2, vv. 1-12 and following.
In it, the Magi follow what they suppose to be the star of the coming king. This of course alarms Herod and arouses his jealousy and concern. Eventually, this will lead to the deaths of the male children in Bethlehem under the age of two, though this is omitted from Sunday’s gospel reading.
What captures our attention this Sunday is the response of these Magi upon seeing the child with Mary his mother. Upon this holy family they offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Overall, this encounter is one of great joy and rejoicing.
As you and I begin this year, one question that might be on our minds is for what are we hopeful? What do we yearn for?
In my home, we yearn for good health, satisfactory work, “work-life balance,” and most of all for our children to be well in body, mind and spirit.
But we also yearn for things outside our little Bethlehem – for peace and justice to be experienced by more people throughout the world.
For people to have a deeper encounter with Jesus, and for the Holy Spirit to turn their hearts in a greater and greater degree to the reality of God’s presence in people’s daily lives.
We pray for renewal and revival in our land.
But it starts with us – with our hearts and minds.
One way for that to happen is to commit to a daily quiet time with God.
Over the years, I’ve had Bible reading plans and much frustration from beginning strong and then tapering off, usually after about six or so weeks!
More recently, I’ve had better staying power by simply praying the Daily Office from the Book of Common Prayer. There’s nothing magical about it, but it does get me into the Scriptures and it lifts me out of my own little world and helps me feel like I’m part of God’s big work in the world.
What has worked well for you? Drop me a note to let me know your secret to drawing close to God.
And if you’re wanting to get something off the ground by starting a daily quiet time, please let me know how I can help encourage you.
Perhaps together, we can journey as the Magi did and by the close of 2025 experience the great joy of experiencing God in a fresh way!
Epiphany blessings,
Fr. Chris