It's An Epiphany!

SCRIPTURE

Epiphany of Our Lord
Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)

Christ revealed to the nations

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.

DEVOTION

Hallelujah! Today is EPIPHANY!

Epiphany is the day set aside in the Christian church to celebrate the Magi’s visit to baby Jesus.

I don’t know about you, but I love Epiphany! My home church back in St. Louis has always placed a special emphasis on Epiphany, gathering as a congregation, offering prayers of healing for the sick, and offering praise and worship to Jesus Christ!

Here in Minnesota, my local church will gather for a potluck supper (everything baked in the shape of a star) as we enjoy fellowship with one another.

It is a glorious day whenever Jesus is revealed to people who did not previously know him! I wish everyone had the opportunity to catch sight of a star and follow it to Jesus, but alas, we do not all discover him so.

For most of us, our bright star was another Christian person who took the time to lead us to Jesus. Through the boldness of their words and/or the kindness of their actions, we were introduced to the Love of God revealed to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Today, I want to invite all of us to make up our minds to be “epiphany stars” on today! Let us make it our business to shine brightly for Jesus all day long, look for opportunities to share the love of God with others, and embrace every chance to offer a helping hand or extend radical hospitality to someone in need.

As we let our little lights shine, Jesus, who is the Light of the World, will draw our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and enemies to himself.

Won’t this be a grand day if we all do our part? Let us pray!

Holy One, thank you that the Wise Ones followed the star to Bethlehem in order to worship King Jesus. Please help me to be an Epiphany Star in the lives of those who are stumbling in the darkness of disbelief. I love you and I desperately wish to share your love with others. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I will be empowered and equipped to let my little light shine! I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html