Epiphany is Jan 6th, the feast of the wise men. Should we be like these pilgrims? I say yes.
Epiphany is the last day of Christmas. The feast celebrates the arrival of the three kings, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, to visit the baby Jesus. These men are some of the first pilgrims and it was a long journey (years) to arrive. What can we learn from them to help us on our way?
- They followed a star, it showed them the way to go. It was not a fast journey, but it was their “guiding light”. We have a star too. Jesus came to show us how to live so that we can live eternally. Are you following the “star” or have you wandered off the path?
- They brought the baby gifts. It’s customary to give gifts when a baby is born, things they might need, or something to commemorate the birth. The kings brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Prophetic gifts for the king. We have our gifts to give as well. Are we using our gifts and talents to glorify God?
- They asked for directions. (the really were wise- lol) They asked King Herod, not the best source, but they found what they were seeking. Herod did not. The Bible is our source of directions. The stories, parables, and historical accounts, are there for us to read in the language of our choice. Are you taking time to read the Bible?
This feast day, I look forward to singing one of my favorite hymns and contemplating how I can be a little more like them. They had to work for it; they had to go looking. If you don’t look, you can’t fill the God shaped hole in your life. Lucky for you, we can learn some lessons from the wise men and advance on our journey.
