As we move through the season of Christmas and into the new year, the celebration of Epiphany reminds us of a pivotal moment in the Gospel story and offers profound meaning for our lives today, as Christians in the 21st century.
Epiphany, traditionally celebrated on January 6, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. The story, recorded in Matthew 2:1-12, recounts how wise men from the East followed a star to Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These travelers—outsiders to Israel’s covenant—recognized the significance of Christ’s birth and responded with worship.
The Story of Epiphany: A Call for All to Come
At its heart, Epiphany is a celebration of revelation. It marks the unveiling of Jesus not only as the Messiah for Israel but as the Savior for all nations. The star that guided the Magi symbolizes the light of Christ, which shines into the darkness and draws all people to Himself.
The journey of the Magi is both a story of faith and a fulfillment of God’s promises. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah proclaimed that the nations would come to the light of God’s salvation (Isaiah 60:1-3). The arrival of the Magi shows that this promise is beginning to unfold.
These wise men, who were probably astrologers or scholars, stepped out in faith, leaving behind what they knew to seek something greater. Their journey was not easy—they encountered King Herod’s schemes and had to discern God’s guidance in a dream—but they persisted. And they got to see Jesus at the end!
How crazy, amazing, unimaginable. What an epiphany.
The most amazing thing is that we, today, also still take part in the story of Epiphany. I know it feels hard for me to really imagine what it is like to traverse across continents to meet a baby. It's—well, a bit odd, maybe? Remember, the Magi were definitely not Jewish; they were a part of a group of people that wasn't traditionally part of God's central story.
That's the revolutionary part here—it's an opening and a widening of the gospel to include everyone. The light of Jesus' story draws us all in, just as it drew in the Magi!
The Story of Epiphany: A Call to Lay Down our Treasure
Epiphany calls us forward to worship. Like the Magi, we are invited to offer our treasures, our time, talents, and resources, in service to Christ. We live in a world that often prioritizes self over others. We are trained to think about our retirement accounts, our next career steps before we are called to think of what God is calling us to. As such, epiphany—a story of three foreign kings on a really long trip to see and give expensive and smelly gifts to a baby—is really a revolutionary demonstration of the gospel.
As we celebrate Epiphany, let us remember that the light of Christ is for all people. May we be bold in sharing that light and humble in following where it leads, knowing that we, too, are part of the story of God’s unfolding grace in the world.
Who is God calling us to invite into the Gospel story this year? What is God asking us to bring in offer and service for him?
Let's Discuss
We love your comments! Thank you for helping us uphold the Community Guidelines to make this an encouraging and respectful community for everyone.