Matthew 2:1-12
“When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.” vs. 10
Taken on its own, the story of the Wise Men from Matthew’s gospel strains our credulity. Today we would quickly label it as being “fake news,” a story that reasonable people simply can’t believe…it just doesn’t ring true. But taken in context, purposefully chosen by Matthew to begin his narrative, it has come to have enormous significance. Today the Wise Men’s journey is associated with Epiphany, a day chosen by the early church to celebrate the shining forth of the Christ Child to the world. It’s the Twelfth Day of Christmas, traditionally the day to take down Christmas decorations, but more than that, a reminder that Jesus was God’s gift to all nations, not just the Jews, and that foreigners were among the first to recognize his significance. During the next six weeks we’ll be looking at gospel texts that celebrate epiphany experiences that people had with Jesus in the course of his ministry. There’ll be regular celebrations of light and life and maybe even some stars. We’ll be reminded that like Jesus we are to let our light shine before others, not only to show off our good works, but to give glory to God. It’s a time to focus on mission and our call to make disciples of all nations through baptizing and teaching. The Light has come into our world…and where that Light shines there is overwhelming joy!
Thought for the Day: How can “fake news” be the truth?
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