Epiphany, from the Greek, epiphaniea, meaning “manifestation” or “appearance.
Every year at Christmas, I find myself with the tricky task of explaining to kids (generally my Sunday School class of 5th and 6th graders) that the Wise Men, as interesting as they are with their camels and amazing gifts, were not actually at the stable. This hard truth is sometimes met with skepticism bordering on disbelief. Even when I share it in an apologetic tone.
The truth, however, is quite marvelous.
First, January 5th is Twelfth Night, marking, since medieval times, the end of the Christmas season. It also ushers in the Feast of the Epiphany or The Epiphany of the Lord, celebrated on January 6th. Those of you with a more orthodox church upbringing are well aware of these dates on the Christian calendar. Those of us who weren’t might well benefit from understanding their significance.
Epiphany marks the manifestation of the Messiah to the Gentiles as personified in the Magi. Those magnificent travelers, with their (undoubtedly) large retinue, traveled from Persia, perhaps 700-900 miles and a journey of several months, following a divine astronomical anomaly. This obviously required great determination and commitment. To continue from the capital of Jerusalem for another six miles to a small village, dismount from their camels, make themselves known to a startled family, and end up worshipping a toddler, shows not just determination and commitment, but a wonderful humility. It is fitting that these men were the first to be rewarded with this mighty revelation embodied in a child.
Having just begun my journey again through the One Year Bible, I had just read these verses a few days ago:
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshiped him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11 NKJV)
“Exceedingly great joy” was the response of these wealthy, foreign men of science to the sight of the youngster.
There’s a lot to emulate here. Be determined in seeking the Lord, grounded in revelation, generous in sharing the gifts of God, pleasing him with a humble heart, and ever joyful in worship. It’s a marvelous way to close out the first week of the New Year. And next Christmas, I intend to spend a bit more time sharing with my class the story of the wise men—not just the gifts they gave, but the manifestation they witnessed. And the glorious truth that it was for us, as well.
May this New Year be filled with the fresh delights for you from God’s Word, and the ever-present power of the Holy Spirit.