“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” (Matt. 2:12)
Epiphany is January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. On Epiphany, we remember the wise men following the star to find Jesus and honoring him with lavish gifts. The word “epiphany” also means a revelation, realization, or sudden insight. It is the realization that Christ has come into the world for all people that the wise men take back with them on their journey home. Likewise, we too realize in the days following Christmas, as we turn the calendar page, that God is at work in our world here and now, even if arriving in the smallest or most unexpected of packages.
What we tend to forget about the story of the Epiphany is all the moments of fear. Fear I’m sure was present as the magi journeyed across new lands, following only a star, of all things! Fear was present for Herod, who was threatened by the birth of one who would stand up to earthly rulers. Fear was most definitely present for Mary and Joseph as they became refugees shortly thereafter, with a young Jesus starting over in Egypt.
But, this story does not end with fear. It’s in the midst of this fear that God speaks an epiphany, a realization that God is doing a new thing, even and especially when we are scared. This Epiphany season, may we look for the hope and promise of God amidst the fear of our world, knowing that fear will never have the final say.
In Peace,
Pastor Eileen (she/her)