Image from agnusday.org
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 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.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “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.” ’Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 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.’ 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. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.(Matthew 2:1-12)
The 6th of January sees children from many parts of the world receiving presents from the Magi. A tradition largely followed in Latin American countries, some place their shoes outside their doors and the morning of the 6th, they find gifts in them, symbolizing the visit of these wise men from the East. If you live near the border or near a popular shopping area, you may see Christmas size crowds shopping as if it were Christmas, and for many in their own regard, it is. January 6 is also known as Epiphany, the day that showed that Christ mattered to all people even the Gentiles. This is because the birth of this little Jewish baby caused those who studied the stars and were up to date on all prophetic writings even outside Israel, found everything aligned and set for an important birth. It was the appearance of this unusual star that made these men make the journey from their homeland to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. They come to the king and ask the wrong question: "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?" Herod was not a secure sort of guy, and history records the people who died as a result of his anger, so this question was not the one he wanted to hear. Scripture says that he and "all Jerusalem with him" were frightened, but that fear on the part of they who were not king was a result of the threats and way he ran the country; those nearest the palace knew of his anger and the results of his anger. We know the story, Herod says, please find the baby and let me know where he is so that I may go and worship Him as well. The magi went, following the star, and found the child and presented Him with prophetic gifts; gold, the gift of kings, for Jesus would be the King of Kings. Frankincense, a gift for a priest, for Jesus is our High Priest, interceding between us and God, the "bridge" between humanity and God. And the last gift was myrrh, an expensive ointment meant usually for those about to be buried. Then as they slept after their visit, God warned them to go home another route. We know the rest of the story; Herod angered by this betrayal set out to kill all male children 2 years of age and younger, in hopes that he might rid Israel of this new king.
This visit showed that Jesus was for all people. And as I like to remind you, somebody told somebody, who told somebody who told somebody who told you all about Jesus and Who He is and what He can do for you. We as non-Jews, aka known as "Gentiles" came to know of the good news for all the world, that indeed He born in that stable, placed on a manger, did it all to save us from sin, and lead us to fullness of life and life eternal. The revelation that is Epiphany is our call to action, our call to serve, our call to save those who have not yet heard nor received the good news.
PRAYER: Loving God, there is still much to do and we want and need to be a part of it. Guide me to faithfulness in this new year, and may that faithfulness lead us to fruitfulness. The harvest is here and ready, help me be among those who will bring in that harvest. It is in the name of Jesus my Lord and Savior that I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day and year in the Lord Jesus!
Eradio Valverde
