Scripture: Matthew 2:1
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem.
Thought for the Day: We don’t have as much of the birth story in Matthew’s Gospel, but Matthew is where we find the Epiphany story. This is important for a number of reasons – first and foremost, we are currently in the season of Christmas. In fact, we are celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas right now. It is probably impossible to find any radio station playing a Christmas carol right now, but despite what culture might say, it is finally Christmas for Christianity. The 12 Days of Christmas, as I remind folks every year, are the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany (the arrival of the magi/wisemen). In these 12 day, we start to watch the magi making their move from the East. Some have suggested the journey took two years, though we condense it to the 12 days. My family has often had our nativity scene with the magi on the other side of the room. We slowly move the three wisemen toward the holy family as we move through the 12 days. As strange as it might sound, this coming Sunday is Christmas Sunday, and the following Sunday is Epiphany (January 7, 2018). And of course, that’s the day of our One Service Sunday and Camel Walk.
Prayer: Lead me, Gracious God, as I continue on this journey. May I meet your gift and honor him with my own gifts. Amen.
Still On Our Journey
