January 6, 2006 - The Epiphany of Our Lord
“We saw His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” (St. Matthew 2:2)
They came from the eastern lands. Babylonian astrologers gazing at the sky spotted a sign, a king’s birth star. God reaches out to the outsider, to the lost, to those staring in the darkness searching for light. “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:3)
Epiphany is the Christmas of the Gentiles; Christmas for those who were “not a people.” Those who were once far off, are now drawn near. The star is their evangelist, proclaiming the “for you” of the Gospel to them in terms they can understand and apprehend. This Child, born of Mary, in Bethlehem, is King of the Jews, and He is also your King.
The star brings them to Jerusalem, the capital city, where you would expect a king to be born. But the prophets tell of a different place. “In Bethlehem, in Judea.” Lowly Bethlehem is the birthplace of this beggar king.
Herod is deeply disturbed. There is a competitor to his throne, and he will not abide it. Nor will we. There is a bit of Herod in each of us, wanting to be king, controlling those around us, sitting high on our self-made throne, killing off anyone who dares to dethrone us. Herod feigns interest, saying he wants to worship this Child. But he’s a liar, driven by the father of lies, the devil. He wants Jesus dead. That would come some thirty years later, at the hands of another Herod, and a Pontius Pilate, for the salvation of the world.
The star guides the Magi to the house. Things have improved a bit since the day of Jesus’ birth. Now he stares up from His virgin mother’s lap at these mysterious men who have come to visit. They fall to their knees, touching their foreheads to the ground and worship this toddler who is the King of all kings.
They worship with their gifts – gold fit for a king, incense telling of His divinity, myrrh symbolic of His suffering. Once Israel went into exile in Babylon, now the Babylonians bow before Israel’s little King. He is King for all, and also for you.
“Trust not in princes, in mortal men who cannot save.” Don’t trust the kings of this world. Honor them, by virtue of their office, but don’t trust them. Trust King Jesus, before whom the nations bow and bring their gifts. This Child alone can save you by His dying and rising.
“O God, by the leading of a star you once made known to all nations your only-begotten Son; now lead us, who know you by faith, to know in heaven the fullness of your divine goodness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” (Collect for the Epiphany of Our Lord)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~About EpiphanyThe Season of Epiphany begins on January 6. The Greek word
epiphaneia refers to the appearance of a god among mortals. The same word was adapted to describe the visit of a king to a favored city. He was greeted with pomp. Days were spent in feasting and revelry, all at the kings expense.
The epiphany of Jesus is the Lord's gracious appearance to His people with signs and wonders and favors given at His own expense. Epiphany is about the Magi, the gathering of the Gentiles as God's people. It is also about the Baptism of our Lord, who prepares the waters of Baptism for us. Epiphany is about Jesus' first sign or miracle performed at Cana to bless a marriage.
Calendar: Epiphany always begins on January 6. The length of the season depends on the date of Easter. The last Sunday in Epiphany is always Transfiguration Sunday.
Customs: For Epiphany Day and the Baptism of Our Lord (the first Sunday after Epiphany Day) the color is white, symbolizing joy and purity. For the rest of the Epiphany season, the color is green, the color of life and growth. On Epiphany Day burn Christmas trees at a bonfire. Sing carols or hymns. On Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, celebrate God's blessings for you in Baptism by renewing your baptismal vows. Tell children the story of their baptismal day...
(From "The Lord Will Answer" a Daily Prayer Catechism)