Provision of Kings

January 6: Epiphany

Some of us, in the wake of all the Christmas flurry, forget the remainder of the story.  Maybe we lump it all in before December 25 and then exhale our way into the new year.  But I think there’s importance in recognizing the fullness of what Matthew & Luke recount for us in their gospels.  And around the world, as with so many other holidays, different cultures & countries honor the day with varying traditions and services.

Feast of the Epiphany – 12th day of Christmas, celebrating the manifestation of Jesus

Three Kings Day – visiting of the Magi, or wise men, to young Jesus

Theophany – focusing on the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist

Photo courtesy of PBS.org

There are parades, gift giving and pageants!

However, the Greek word epiphany simply means ‘to reveal.’  So, let’s see what it might reveal to us this year.

In Matthew chapter 2, we learn about the journey these wise Magi took, and the star that intrigued them so much.  They weren’t too busy with other things to notice.  They had been studying and tracking this unique celestial moment and left their homes to pursue it.  It meant something to them.  They knew, as learned men, about the prophecies and I imagine their hearts were racing as they drew closer to Bethlehem in the land of Judea.

Even on arrival there was the possibility of distraction, with King Herod seeking to maneuver himself close to this ‘new king’ and asking for secret meetings.  Yet they heeded the angelic warnings in their dreams and did not return to reveal anything to him.

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!  They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (v 10-11)

The timing and the gifts has always intrigued me and I wondered on them this season.  Frankincense is known to help you relax and can help boost the immune system. Myrrh has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.  Though diapers and wipes are helpful as baby gifts, what if you had received oils that could help you relax and keep you and your child healthier?  And they weren’t the eager baby shower gifts that arrived ahead of time, or the new baby gifts – though those are wonderful as well.  By the time the Magi arrived, most scholars say that Jesus was about two years old. Two! 

Why does all that catch my attention?  Because it shows me that God is a provider.  He is a good Father who cares and who sees us.  And God knew that they would need to flee to Egypt – and He brought them gold. 

He anointed Mary, with the gifts of kings.

He honored Jesus, with the worship of kings.

So this Epiphany, whether you are familiar with the parades, or your church has special services, perhaps you can rejoice that you too are seen, cared and provided for.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve gotten it all right or gotten it all wrong – it isn’t about you.  It’s about Him.  This is who He is.  Epiphany reveals this to us once again.

But you have to be watching.

Worship: O Come, All You Unfaithful, by Sovereign Grace Music

Prayer: (Breathe In) The Lord is my shepherd,  (Breathe Out) and I can trust Him