December 27 - Epiphany

December 27 - Epiphany

Matthew 2:1-12

I'm going to veer off course just a little bit today because on January 6th when we experience the Feast of Epiphany, I hope to be well into the Revelation and won't want to interrupt myself.

The word 'epiphany' means a manifestation or appearance and this feast celebrates Jesus' appearance to the Gentiles. It constantly amazes me that God took such great care to not only bring His Son to the Israelites, God's chosen people, but to the entire world. The Israelites were set apart to be a light to the world, to bring the world into relationship with God. I think that's something that we forget as we look at religious history. They weren't simply chosen to be the only ones to have favor in God's sight, but to act as intermediaries so that the entire world would be blessed.

Genesis 12:2-3 is the promise that God made to Abram when he was called out of the land of Ur. It ends by saying "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

So, I guess I shouldn't be so astounded at God's actions surrounding Jesus' birth. When the Magi came to find the king of the Jews, they came to worship Him. They brought extravagant gifts and traveled for many miles. They dealt with a jealous King Herod and left without returning to him. These men came as Gentiles to a small Jewish community from far away to see what it was that God had brought to earth. Matthew 2:10 says that they were overjoyed.

They had no reason to be there, the Jews didn't impact their lives and Jesus would never reign as king in their land. But, God had a plan that was in motion. Gentiles as well as Jews would fall on their knees to worship the king.

God opened the door for everyone on earth to receive eternal life. It was never limited to the Israelites, but their failure to embrace their mission stopped many peoples from knowing about God's desire for a relationship with His creation. How could God bring His entire creation home without drawing everyone from the ends of the earth to Himself?

With the arrival of Jesus on earth as an infant, the final part of the plan was set in motion. The Magi came, bringing gifts and acting as our representatives at the manger.

We can do nothing but express our gratitude as we praise God who ensured that from the very beginning, we would have a place in His home and would be welcome in to the throne room.