“And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:9-11 ESV).
Every year, the Twelve Days of Christmas begin on December 25th and conclude on January 5th the following year. Epiphany then follows the Twelve Days of Christmas on January 6th and is celebrated as the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. In other words, the birth of Jesus is cause for celebration for both Jews and Gentiles, and for all the peoples of the earth.
The magi are also known as the wise men from the east who journeyed to Jerusalem to worship the one born king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-8). The magi were seekers of truth and wisdom. They were the philosophers of their day. The magi were skilled in astronomy. They were the scientists of their day. The magi studied the heavens to answer questions about their life on earth. They were the natural theologians of their day.
The word philosophy means “the love of wisdom.” And when observations of nature direct a person’s attention toward the existence of God, this is known as natural theology. So, this Epiphany, I invite you to consider what the magi might teach us in our day.
“O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen” (Book of Common Prayer MMXIX).
~ Boethius ~