Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

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Reflect

Today we celebrate the Epiphany, which is the first time Christ was recognized by the gentiles who were represented by the Magi (wise men) who recognized that the Christ child was divine. This day also marks the twelfth day of Christmas. Christmas starts on December 25 and ends the day of Epiphany.

Epiphany has become a word that means a sudden realization. Sometimes we may have a “God moment” where we suddenly become aware of God and the mystery of God. One epiphany I have had is the importance of telling others about Christ. Being Christian opens us up to a new sense of life. It is a disciplined way of being in the world. When we follow Christ, we don’t avoid all the pain of living, but we do avoid the result of pain that is self-inflicted through sin.

The Magi brought gifts to baby Jesus. They were precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What precious gifts can we give to Christ? The most precious gift we can give to Christ is our lives. We give Christ our lives by bringing compassion and love to the world. We study the life of Christ and see by his example how to interact with others.

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Pray

Dear God, please help me be more aware of you in this world. Please help me to be loving in my interactions with others, realizing we are all connected to you. Amen.

Go with God.