Devotion for January 4
January 4, 2012
On entering the house, the Magi saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Matthew 2:11
I find it surprising that, in the most “Jewish” of the four Gospels, Matthew, we have the account of the Magi. The Easter Christian church has long understood the significance of this: this is Christmas for the Gentile world. In the western world, we have allowed this event to become just another part of the Christmas nativity. But the language of Matthew makes it clear that this was separate from the events of Jesus’ birth.
For one thing, we know that these sages from the east did not see Jesus and Mary in a stable. The language suggests that, by this time, Joseph had been able to secure much better lodging for his wife and her newborn child. Secondly, the leading of the star presumes the birth had already happened. So, the Christian church, in its liturgical form, has set aside a day in January to celebrate the event mentioned above: Epiphany – Christ revealed to the nations.
No matter how it actually happened, we know that in both the Old Testament prophecies as well as in the final proclamation of the Risen Messiah, God’s gift of his Son was not given only for one people. Jesus was sent for the whole world. And whether we hold the Magi back from our nativity scenes until after Epiphany or add them as most do today, the point is still clear. God loves all people and has come in Jesus Christ to make that love known.
There is an undeniably universalist cast to our faith. Christians do not have the luxury of keeping the Savior to ourselves. This is so compelling that even today Christians are willing to put their lives on the line around the world to tell others about Jesus Christ. Christianity is now the largest religion in the world with over 2.2 billion adherents. The liberation of our faith continues to engage people of many lands and languages even today. When our faith is “fair game” in our society, it is tempting to become quiet and withdrawn. Epiphany reminds us that our message is simple: God seeks all people in love.
Help me share the hope I have in you, Lord Jesus. Amen
