January 6 is the Epiphany of our Lord. We read Matthew 2, the story of the appearance of the guiding star to the astrologers or wise men from the east. They followed the star, having divined from its appearance the heavenly message of the birth of the one who would be King of God’s people.
They followed the star’s guidance to Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem (after making an official and obligatory visit to King Herod). When they reached the child they gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and they worshiped Him.
This great story is like a heavenly star to us. God speaks to us through it and He guides us to the King to whom we can offer the gifts of our lives and our worship.
God’s message to us is that although we, like the astrologers from the east, start our lives as strangers to God, living far away from God, the Lord sends His Son into our lives so we can approach God, know God and follow God.
I grew up in a white community. There were a few Hispanic people (we called them Mexicans because that is where they were from) who came during the harvest season. They were hard working families and a few of those families stayed and became part of our community and school.
A few Asian children had been adopted into families and were also accepted into the community. But it was not until I entered college that I saw a black person. Because our lives intersected in the classroom it quickly became apparent that while we were different because our skin color was different, we were also alike, both working our way through school and life.
When Jesus makes His epiphany into our lives we notice that He is different (He is the Son of God) and alike (He is human). Because He is like us we can know Him. Because He is different He is able to lead us through this world into the presence of God.
Blessed Epiphany Season.
Pastor Tim Cartwright