Matthew 2:10-11a
Stop.
Center your heart in the word “epiphany”. It can mean a moment of revelation or an insight. What do you need to have revealed to you today? What insight might God be sharing with you? Take some time to consider.
Listen.
When [the magi] 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. – Matthew 2:10-11a
Reflect.
Tomorrow, the church celebrates Epiphany. The 12 days of Christmas officially end today, and tomorrow, the Epiphany season begins. On this day, the church remembers the magi visiting Jesus and his family. As we hear in the story, they followed a star which revealed Jesus to be the king of the Jews. They gave him gifts, they worshiped him, and they went back out into the world.
This day means more than finally having all the pieces of your nativity set get mentioned. For Christians, the day and season also hold great meaning. The magi came from another country to meet Jesus, praise him, and share what they learned. On this day, we remember that the good news of Jesus was never meant to be kept to ourselves. It was always meant to be shared with all people at all times.
Just as the star revealed Jesus to the magi, we also think about things being revealed in this time. Where does God lead you now? What truths guide your faith today? How will you know? Epiphany invites us to reflect on these things. Some people even choose a word on Epiphany, potentially drawing it from a hat, that they will use to center and ground them in the year to come. This gets called a star word in honor of the star of Bethlehem.
Whatever you do to mark this occasion, let it be a time for you to recommit to the Spirit’s guidance and the truth of God at work in your life.
Pray.
God, just as the star revealed your Son to the magi, I ask that you would guide me today. Let your word speak to me, now and always, so that your truth can be my heart’s comfort and hope. Amen.
Carry On.
It’s official: you can take down your Christmas decorations. As you put them away, pay attention to any star decorations. Let them help you reflect on Epiphany.