Epiphany | The Reverend Chad E. JarnaginMatthew 2:1-12 (ESV)The Visit of the Wise Men2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a rulerwho will shepherd my people Israel.’”7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.An epiphany is: a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by a simple or commonplace occurrence or experience. ‘Epiphanic moments' are those times when, quite suddenly, something of the greatest importance strikes us unexpectedly. At the Feast of Epiphany we commemorate for the first time, revealed to the whole world - the birth of the historical Jesus is revealed to be the incarnation of the eternal Son of God. The Word made flesh. All the rumors, all the prophecies, all hope... Everything coming true.It may be healthy for us to realize that the magi didn’t continue to search for Christ after they found him. Meaning, there is no record of them convincing one another that this wasn’t really who they were searching for... this Christ meant God was with them, us.This year, I would like to suggest a couple of things:1. Lean into the life and rhythms of Luminous consistently. Spiritualhealth doesn't solely occur in isolation, but in communion.Communion with God and with one another... because God is with us. Embrace the Anglican Way and it’s rhythms without reservation. Lean from curiosity to intentionality. As a parish, our values are Beauty, Communion, & Peace. Over the coming weeks, we’re going to discuss these in more detail.2. When a course or class resonates, make an effort to be a part. You will be a part of a conversation that is meant for spiritual health and growth.3. Daily Office. Begin with 1-2 Psalms each week. Realize that in doing so, you are joining many Believers all around the world doing the same.Prayer:Be our daily star, O Father, Son, Spirit.Guide our lives to be Your Kingdom come...May we follow your light of beauty & truth.Forever trusting, hoping and believing in The Way of Christ. Lift our eyes to see and our ears to hear.To the glory of your name. Amen.
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