Celebrating Epiphany

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory—this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars (wise men) arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 MSG

Three friends. Tres amigas. Three of us women friends meet together every week for a coffee or lunch to check on each other, even if or especially if we have already been together volunteering in our community or spending time in our church life-group. A moment to tell what needs telling and listen to what needs to be heard. I certainly understand how those involved in Alcoholics Anonymous or other support groups “need a meeting.” They seem to drop everything to gather, confess, share and maybe most importantly say their name and recognize their need for one another. We three friends also speak the name of the Lord and our need for God’s presence, praying the prayer of Jesus “Our Father in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done.”

It must have been much the same when the three friends, seekers of the way, the truth, and the light traveled together to follow “his star” when it rose in the East. With great joy these wise men or “three kings” of tradition, found Emmanuel, God with us, the Child given for our redemption. And they who were great and wise in their own nations, fell down in order to worship the King of the Nations, the Bright Morning Star. As Jesus said of himself: “I AM the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” “I AM the bright morning star.” (John 8:12; Revelation 22:16)

They (the wise ones) entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. Matthew 2:11 MSG

My husband and I travel many miles each year to visit and care for friends who are far from their native places, making Christ known as they serve in communities in need of light and hope. We plan and pack and bring gifts of joy to celebrate and recognize and cheer them on. So I can imagine these three Kings of the Christmas story as they packed their camel bags with purpose: to recognize and honor the new King of Kings with extravagant gifts. Graced to read the signs in the sky and compelled to go on holy pilgrimage, they gloriously presented the Christ child with their wonder and treasure.

Author and artist Jan Richardson tells about imagining a trio of women who also came carrying treasures to offer the Christ child, in her piece Wise Women Also Came. She pictures the women carrying their gifts as a woman would, practical and useful for the needs of the family: water for washing, fire for warmth, and a blanket for swaddling the babe.

REFLECT. The extravagant gifts of the Magi, point us to the One we worship:

• The Gift of Gold recognizes Jesus as the King of Kings, the King of the Nations. (Revelation 19:16; Isaiah 9:6-7)
• The Gift of Frankincense, is a fragrant aroma to the Holy One who is Emmanuel, God with us. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
• The Gift of Myrrh, is an honor for the sacrifice of our Savior and Resurrected Lord. (1 Peter 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Once upon a time in a far-off land
Wise men saw a sign and set out across the sand
Songs of praise to sing, they traveled day and night
And precious gifts to bring, guided by the light… (Nothing But a Child, Steve Earle)

PRACTICE. As wise women and men, offer practical gifts for families in need in your community. Plan and prepare and travel to people who need to be recognized and cared for with your gifts of both presence and care. Go in groups of three or more friends who offer creativity, prayer, and support.

RESOURCES.

Inviting Epiphany

Epiphany: Nothing but a Child