Christmas; Epiphany; Three Kings

They followed a star.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 

                                                                               (Matt 2:1-2, 7-11 KJV)

The season of Christmas ended yesterday with the observance of Epiphany or as known to some Three Kings Day. My little tree will hopefully come down today although it will be a very busy day. I have banana trees to move before some landscaping begins today. There is an online grocery order to pick up. And, I have to go shopping for a new washing machine. Mine quit! Yesterday was even busier; therefore, the tree is still lighting up the living room this morning.

The reading from Matthew tells us that the wise men traveled far to meet this king and to bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. I've always kind of thought me that if we are going to give gifts at all why not give them on the day that we celebrate the gift-giving wise men rather than Christmas. Christmas, when celebrated, I believe, should be focused solely on the precious gift that was given to us with his birth. Many churches don't even have a Christmas Day service so that families can be together, children can play with their toys, and moms and grandmoms can start cooking.  

However, despite the questionable background of our Christmas traditions, the season prior to Christmas does give us greater opportunity to remind the world that Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world, came into this world as a fully human baby, lived among us, and then died for us. What great gift could we possibly receive.

God's Peace - Pr. J.