Epiphanies

 

Matthew 2:1-2 (NET) - After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

January 6, the twelfth day after Christmas, is known as Epiphany in the Christian calendar.

This is where we get the tradition of the twelve days of Christmas.

It was held that it took the wise men twelve days to make the journey from the East.

Nativity scenes often depict the wise men at the birth of Jesus.

They also depict three wise men.

But scripture never tells us exactly how many there were.

It is likely that there were more travelling by caravan to avoid being preyed upon by robbers.

We tend to think of three wise men because of the three gifts they brought.

The gifts included gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Each gift has a meaning.

Gold symbolizes a kingship on earth.

Frankincense, an incense, symbolizes deity.

Myrrh, an embalming oil, symbolizes death.

All three symbols apply to Jesus.

Jesus is king, He is God incarnate and He came into this world to die for us.

These wise men, regardless of number, experienced Epiphany.

They understood that Jesus was the manifestation of God on earth.

So, they travelled an exceedingly long way to find Him.

The dictionary also defines an epiphany as an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure.

Some may refer to this as having an “Aha” or life changing realization.

The same day as Epiphany, people stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

In total, four people were killed.

Many were injured and criminal arrests will follow.

Yet this is just another example of division in America right now.

Isn’t it past time the nation had an epiphany of its own?

An “Aha” moment or life changing realization.

An epiphany that it is time to seek Jesus once again.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 15, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, January 22, 2020