Many Christian churches celebrate January 6th as the Epiphany, a commemoration of the time when the Magi, who had been seeking the Messiah, came to the end of their journey. They knelt in worship offering the gifts they felt fit for a King.
This devotional came forth when I was working through a meditation based on the Scripture text that begins it.
It seems fitting to begin our new year in an attitude of worship and gratefulness.
We have journeyed through 12 months depending on the One who came to share his all with us. Even with the unknown that awaits us in our days yet to come, our focus can be as steady as that of these men who never gave up in their goal and were rewarded for their faithful efforts.
Recognizing Light in the Darkness
“When they saw that the star had stopped,
they were overwhelmed with joy”
(Matthew 2:10 NRSV).
We have just come through the season of Christmas yet the gift continues to unfold. I was meditating on the Magi who traveled so far in search of the Messiah.
What perseverance!
The time frame of their arrival in Bethlehem is not always clear among scholars, but that they did arrive is important.
These men were astrologers who studied the heavens. It was this gift that helped them to recognize how Old Testament prophecies were close to being fulfilled.
It is interesting to think about “stars” in relationship to their travels for they lived by the lights in the dark skies and were guided in the night.
How often I feel lost in the darkness of my circumstances and pain. I can wander too long feeling overcome. The Magi welcomed the darkness for they knew it was leading them to the Messiah. For them it was a long journey; for me it is a change in focus.
The Magi had to wait until the star stopped in its appointed place. The Lord often waits on me until I remember the “star” is permanently dwelling within me.
He is in his appointed place and wants me back there with Him.
What was the light in the Bethlehem stable - a dark and forsaken place for humans. Perhaps a torch carefully placed could have brought some light.
But when the Magi kneeled to worship, it was their recognition of the light emanating from the babe that overwhelmed them with joy.
The gift that I can bring to the One who is the Gift, is recognizing how close He is and how much He longs for me to stop and recognize that all I need is to seek and find Him deep within.
Prayer
Lord, you were born in the darkness of a night so your light could shine with lessons I need during my times of uncertainty. I bow before your faithfulness and receive the light of your care. Amen.
