By: Leo Percer, Ph.D. | January 5, 2025
Introduction
Some branches of Christianity celebrate Epiphany on January 6 or January 7. Let’s consider briefly what this means and examine why it matters.
The Greek word epiphaneia means “manifestation” or “appearance.”[1] The word could be used of the appearing of a god or a great king. The word became associated with the story of either Jesus’ baptism or his actual birth (and, hence, the Incarnation). The term in modern use indicates a sudden realization or understanding. The biblical texts associated with Epiphany dramatize ways that people came to understand who Jesus was through his birth, his baptism, or his audacious declaration of his Messianic mission. Nonetheless, one of the first manifestations began “outside the circle” of Jewish religion with the Magi (or Wise Men) as found in Matthew 2:1-12.
Outside of the Circle: Who Were the Magi?
Matthew says, “And there it was — the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:9-10, CSB).
Who were these “wise men”? They were some of the first to offer worship to Jesus, but their journey was not easy. They came from the East (perhaps Persia or another location outside of Israel) and traveled a long way to see Jesus. Remember, back in the first century, there were no GPS systems or online mapping services (or even motorized vehicles).
Matthew tells us that these men came to Jerusalem guided by a star. They were probably Persian court astrologers, people who looked to the stars for signs, portents and other information.[2] The wise men (perhaps “philosophers”?) saw a star and understood it to announce the birth of a great king. They took their cue from heavenly signs and came to find this king.
What can we learn from these individuals?
First, their journey was prompted by faith. They traveled because they believed. Their faith made it difficult to stay at home and perform business as usual. The star was a heavenly manifestation that encouraged their journey. It was a God sent message (like the angels to the shepherds) to give the wise men reason to travel. These individuals diligently studied their source materials, and when God spoke, these fellows acted. We should also pay attention to God-given Scripture (our source material), and after diligent study we must step out in faith to obey God.
Second, the wise men were willing to follow divine direction into unknown territory. They left the comfort of home to pursue the belief that God had shown them the imminent birth of a new king. They went where they had never gone before because of God’s direction. Following God’s message may take us into unknown territory. In this new year, will we take seriously God’s instructions, especially if they lead us to a place that is new and different? We will if we are wise.
Third, they were committed to complete this journey. They would follow that star (God’s direction) wherever it led, and they were willing to pay a great price to do so. They were intent on seeing this king declared in the heavens. What did they see? Not a mighty ruler in a great palace surrounded by servants, not a person of prestige or power. They saw God in the flesh—Jesus the revelation of God—the Word of God living among us. They saw God in holy humility! We should also acknowledge the humble and holy character of our God as he has revealed himself in Jesus and in Scripture. As followers of Jesus, we must commit to completing our journey.
Finally, they brought gifts. These strangers from another land bow down in honor as soon as they see Jesus. They worshipped him and gave him gifts. As we encounter Epiphany, we should consider the gifts we may offer God this year. Time? Talent? Service? Our voices to declare his work and word? Will we give him our love and devotion?
God in the Everyday
These wise men came to Bethlehem. Bethlehem was probably not considered a town of power and prestige. On the other hand, God often chooses to use the lowly and the less regarded to accomplish his purposes. God’s ways and thoughts undermine human ways and drag the high and mighty from their thrones and humble the proud in their conceit. Here in Bethlehem wise men encounter a young child who is the very Son of God in all humility. They discover a God of the common person, a God of humility, and yet the God of all the universe. Jesus is God in everyday clothes. Can we see him in such attire?
At this time of the year, life can seem a bit dreary. The days are short, and the weather is often cold and sullen. Christmas is in the past. The Christmas gifts are put away and the wrapping paper is no more. Gifts that were new last week are not so new today.
Remember though, Christmas isn’t just a day—it is an Epiphany—a revelation of God’s Incarnation. It is an appearance, a realization, a manifestation of God in everyday attire. We can continue to enjoy the first coming of Jesus by looking for his appearing in our daily moments. We can even ask for his daily appearance.
This year, commit to look for moments of epiphany, moments of recognition of God in everyday attire, moments of seeing Jesus and striving to follow him. Look for Jesus (for his “appearing”) and be committed to living in loyalty to his expectations. Let’s be modern magi looking for God’s direction, committed to follow it to the end, and willing to offer our lives as gifts in exchange for his life. Until Jesus returns, let’s follow him and make him known! May this new year be a year of encountering God in everyday life!
[1] Brett Scott Provance, Pocket Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship, The IVP Pocket Reference Series (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2009), 54. See also, F. W. Danker, William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000).
[2] Chad Brand et al., eds., “Magi,” Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1066.
