Matthew 2:1-12
1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Travel with the Magi
We know that Christmas and Epiphany were celebrated together on January 6th until the sixteenth century. In our current time, Epiphany is celebrated in the Western Churches as the recognition by all nations that Christ is the Universal King, incarnated for all and worshiped by all. The Eastern Churches celebrate the appearance of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, at Jesus' baptism.
We need to combine both to meet God's plan of salvation for all nations. East and West join in celebrating Jesus' Baptism at the River Jordan and the new heavenly birth for those who are baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity. "Since every one of you that has been baptized in Christ has been clothed with Christ" Galatians 3:27 and "Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit" 1 Corinthians 6:19.
What we learn from the Magi:
They are looking for Jesus using the sciences to lead to Him as the star did, but nothing can tell who or where He is except the Word of God. The Magi have to inquire about His place of birth based upon the Scriptures (vv. 4-6). When they see Him, they realize who He is.
As the Magi did, worship Jesus with precious gifts that are worthy of His Person as King, Priest and fulfilment of the redeeming prophecies. They offer gold (for the King), frankincense (for the Priest) and myrrh (for His sacrificial death).
Change ways as the Magi did. Their aim is to worship Jesus and go back to their countries. Instead, they take another way, a new way.
We are invited to travel with the Magi. They look for Jesus and ask others for direction, but the most important way to Him is to refer to Word of God. That leads us to Jesus in person.
Our gifts for Jesus are our contrite hearts. "Sacrifice gives you no pleasure, burnt offering you do not desire. Sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken, contrite heart you never scorn" Psalm 51:16-17.
Take another way, since we know Him in person, and accept Him as Lord and Savior. We are called to change our ways and follow the "Way and the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6) nothing else, nobody else.
Share knowledge and experience about our walk with Jesus with others to grow as Church members that look for Jesus and live according to the vocations we have been called to.
May we remember that, thanks to your baptism, you are the Temple of the Holy Spirit.
Safe journey with Jesus and a blessed 2025.