Epiphany!

Matthew 2: 1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 "And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.' " 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (NRSV)

Job security is important, even for a king. To have visitors from afar come into your home to ask, "Where is the child born king of the Jews?" does not sit well with anyone, especially an insecure despot like King Herod. The birth of Jesus drew attention from the known world and these magi, also called kings by other accounts, come to Jerusalem, to the palace to ask this king, "Where is He? You, of all people, should know where he is, since he will be taking your job." The Bible says Herod was "frightened." It also said "and all of Jerusalem with him" which may have come after Herod summoned all the chief priest and teachers of the faith to come and help him understand what this visit was all about. They knew the prophetic reference from their scriptures, and the meaning of the coming of a messiah. Herod has a secret meeting with the magi and wants to know more about the details of this birth and of the star that had appeared to announce this birth. He also asked for them to find the child and to let him know where exactly this baby was, so that he could also go and pay homage. Liar. We know the story and the real reason for wanting to know where Jesus was. The magi follow the star and come to the place where "they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage." Then, sharing from their treasure they shared gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. A dream from God warns them to return home by another route avoiding another meeting with Herod.

This day called Epiphany is special for many reasons. It shows the universal appeal of Jesus; His birth was noticed beyond the Jewish realm. Those who come to pay homage to the Jewish king are not Jews, but Gentiles. The child is born to be a shepherd king, who will guide the people of God to faithfulness. And the gifts indicate other roles that the child will fill: Gold, the gift fit for a king. Frankincense, the gift for the high priest (or "bridge" between God and humanity). Myrrh, the gift for one who was to die. And die He did for all humanity.

This birth provided us with security. God shared Jesus as our Lord and Savior; the King of kings, and Lord of lords, given for you and me. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, sent to guide us to a deeper relationship with God and a faithfulness to bless others. An invitation for all the world to know they matter to God and all are welcome to receive Him as King.

PRAYER: Lord, may the birth of Jesus continue to bless the world with this sharing of love. May I seek to be more a part of this love in all that I think, speak and do. I ask it in Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde