Readings:
Isaiah 60:1-6;
Psalm 72;
Ephesians 3:1-12;
Matthew 2:1-12

Collect:
Eternal God,
by a star you led magi to the worship of your Son.
Guide by your light the nations of the earth,
that the whole world may see your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit supreme over all creation,
now and forever. Amen

Reflection

Two significant festivals this week. While there is much to think about and understand, do take a moment to simply appreciate the story these events tell. Here, an Epiphany reflection.

We commonly call the visitors from the East wise men, even kings. Well, their political insight is non-existent and their actions show no wisdom in approaching a ruler for news about a new ruler.

As we read it today, we’d do well to be less concerned about what actually happened than to appreciate what it means for us. So, what can we make of Matthew telling us this story? Well after the events, Christians of the past read those passages from Isaiah and Psalm 72 and discerned there the reality of their lives – that there is strength in vulnerability, that authority rests with justice, and prosperity is to be shared with all and does not below to only a few.

I suspect Matthew realizes we seldom appreciate what is right before us, and challenges us that strangers, who know nothing of our customs or ways, yet discern God’s significant presence – in this story, the birth of a child, who we proclaim is “God with us”.

John Henson in Wide Awake Worship (O-Books 2010) suggests new, and just as personal, words to W. C. Dix’s hymn “As with gladness men of old”.

As with gladness, travellers bold 
 saw a new star, pure as gold.
As with joy they caught its light,
leading onward, beaming bright;
so, dear loving God may we on life’s quest,
your splendour see.

As they offered gifts most rare
at your lodgings poor and bare,
so may we with holy glee,
freed from pride and vanity,
all we value gladly bring for your use,
our friend and king.

Loving Jesus, every day
keep us in your joyful way.
When our time of earth is past bring us,
travellers still, at last,
where we need no star to guide,
where no clouds your beauty hide.

Barry Lotz