Epiphany…. 12 days after Christmas. We celebrate this in the church based on scripture that tells us, “Behold, wise men came from the East”. These wise men followed a star all the way to Bethleham to feast their eyes on Jesus, the newborn King. When they saw Jesus, they saw God. Some scholars believe that it may have been up to two years after Jesus was born. We do not know for sure how long it took them to find Jesus, but we know they found him and how the story goes! We have two nativity scenes in our home that include wise men with all of the other figures. I usually suggest that the wise men should be placed on a book case or on the kitchen table- because they entered the scene much later. I like to picture them journeying from "afar". But, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t think God minds a bit if someone’s nativity scene has wise men in it-after all, it is part of the story! I think God would prefer we don’t get hung up on the rules and regulations so much that it takes away from our ability to worship and remember the greatest story on earth.
These wise men traveled, found, knelt down, and worshipped the babe. They gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Once they left, they went to tell others!
What does Epiphany mean for us? We too can try to be like the wise men who gave what they had to Jesus. We can look for Jesus everyday, follow the star, kneel down and praise God. We can give of what we have been blessed with to people who are in need, without homes or food...some may need blankets or baby beds, clothes or even just a kind word or a smile as you cross their path. The best part is that you can tell them about Jesus too.
I encourage you and your family to be thinking of who God has placed in your midst, who is in your neighborhood or in our community that needs a touch of the light of Christ. Think about how you can be like the wise men who took time out of their day, went out of their way, followed the star- to worship and adore Jesus Christ.
In our house we have “star children”…. 4 little tiny, wooden reminders that help us know that Christ’s light can shine through all of us. We too can be bearers of the light and help to dispell darkness in a variety of ways. The only thing that ever breaks the darkness completely is light. The more light there is in a day, the brighter it becomes.
Talk about Epiphany today as a family. Share a devotion and read the scripture that tells of the wise men and their journey to worship the newborn king. Consider having your children make a reminder today or this week or even this month to help them remember that they too are star children- precious and beloved children of God who have the potential to let their lights shine for Jesus! We can all be bearers of the LIGHT 365 days a year.
These wise men traveled, found, knelt down, and worshipped the babe. They gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Once they left, they went to tell others!
What does Epiphany mean for us? We too can try to be like the wise men who gave what they had to Jesus. We can look for Jesus everyday, follow the star, kneel down and praise God. We can give of what we have been blessed with to people who are in need, without homes or food...some may need blankets or baby beds, clothes or even just a kind word or a smile as you cross their path. The best part is that you can tell them about Jesus too.
I encourage you and your family to be thinking of who God has placed in your midst, who is in your neighborhood or in our community that needs a touch of the light of Christ. Think about how you can be like the wise men who took time out of their day, went out of their way, followed the star- to worship and adore Jesus Christ.
In our house we have “star children”…. 4 little tiny, wooden reminders that help us know that Christ’s light can shine through all of us. We too can be bearers of the light and help to dispell darkness in a variety of ways. The only thing that ever breaks the darkness completely is light. The more light there is in a day, the brighter it becomes.
Talk about Epiphany today as a family. Share a devotion and read the scripture that tells of the wise men and their journey to worship the newborn king. Consider having your children make a reminder today or this week or even this month to help them remember that they too are star children- precious and beloved children of God who have the potential to let their lights shine for Jesus! We can all be bearers of the LIGHT 365 days a year.
May the light of Christ bring warmth, peace and love to you all today.
Shine on, my friends!
