Happy Epiphany!
The wise men have made their journey to the toddler Jesus, bringing their gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. I learned a few things today from our youth worker’s sermon – the Western Church believes there were three wise men (because of the three gifts they brought), but the Eastern Church says there were twelve. Our preacher also made the good point that these visitors were the first outsiders to visit Jesus, thus marking the God-Made-Man’s mission to reach everyone in the world with his message of love, grace, and forgiveness.
Thank you for journeying with me through the twelve days of Christmas! I pray you’ll have a blessed and joyous Ephipanytide.
I leave you with a prayer adapted from the Church of England liturgy:
The magi came from the east to worship your Son: Father, grant to Christians everywhere the spirit of adoration.
The infant Christ received gifts of gold, incense and myrrh: Father, accept the offering of our hearts and minds at the beginning of this year.
The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ: Father, grant an abundance of peace to your world.
Father, in your unfailing love for us and for all people, hear and answer our prayers through your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
It’s Epiphany! The day we mark the wise men coming to worship Jesus. Contrary to common tradition, they didn’t appear at the same time as the shepherds, but a lot later – many commentators think Jesus was around two years old. But for us the day rounds off the Christmas season. We look back at the sparkle and wonder and give thanks for the many gifts the Lord gives us, not least the best gift ever – the presence of his Son, Jesus. So today marks the last of my dad’s paintings – for now. I’ve saved one of my favorites for today; enjoy! (I will post again when