Rev Bill

Today January 6 — is the Day of Epiphany — when the Church celebrates the coming of the Wise Men (or Magi) to worship the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12)

In many traditions this has become a day for celebrating the faith of the wise men — who were Gentiles — and shows that God has come into the world for all people who believe in Him. It has also become a day for celebrating the light of God that has come into the world through Jesus Christ.

One aspect of the story in Matthew I have come to appreciate is that after the wise men worshiped Jesus, they returned home by “another way” . Of course, this was because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod — but I wonder — is it possible that we can worship God — then be changed so much that we are different people — living “another way” ? I believe that it is possible — indeed that is what God wills for us — to change our lives in such a way that we live “another way” from the way we were living.

I offer this prayer for Epiphany from the Book of Common Worship
of the Presbyterian Church:

Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of Your glory rising in splendor. The radiance of Your incarnate Word pierces the night that covers the earth and signals the dawn of justice and peace.

May His brightness illumine our lives and beckon all nations to walk as one in your light. We ask this through Jesus Christ Your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God forever and ever. Amen

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