Wise Men from the East
Posted by Isaac Butterworth | Filed under Epiphany, Liturgical Year
Today is Epiphany, a marker in the Christian year that always falls on January 6. The word “epiphany” means revelation or even disclosure. It refers to the appearance of the glory of Israel’s messiah to the nations.
The story most associated with Epiphany is that of the magi from the east. You will recall the story from Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 2, verses 1-12. Certain wise men follow a star in the night sky, believing that it will lead them to a newborn king.
Tradition tells us that there were three wise men. Matthew gives no number. Henry Van Dyke has a lovely story about a fourth wise man, which I think you will enjoy. You may read it here. It is likely that tradition settled on the number three because of the three gifts that Matthew mentions: incense, gold, and myrrh. The traditional three have been given names: Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.
Some years ago, I had a very close friend who was an Episcopal priest. Fr. David virtually breathed in rhythm with the Christian year. He did not even put up a Christmas tree until Christmas Eve. So, as Epiphany drew close one year, I made a felt banner, suitable for hanging on a door. On one side of the banner was a representation of the ancient city of Bethlehem, which I based on a drawing from a Christmas card. A star rested over the sleepy little village and pointed, presumably, to the place where the Christ child lay. On the other side of the banner were the initials of the three wise men: GMB. I gave the banner to Fr. David and his family. Such a gift is a tradition extending back to unknown origins. I knew that they would like it.
It gave me great pleasure to see the look on Fr. David’s face. It was the perfect gift (and this was one of the few times I have ever surprised someone with a gift they truly liked).
Back to Matthew’s story: When the magi arrive in Jerusalem, they go to King Herod’s palace, expecting, I suppose, that, if you are looking for a king, you will find him in a place like that.
Of course, Herod knows nothing about the birth of a new king, and news that such an event may have occurred troubles him deeply. Herod inquires of those “in the know,” and they tell him that the Hebrew scriptures designate Bethlehem as the birth place of the messiah (one “anointed” to be a king who will bring in God’s just rule).
Herod sends the magi off to Bethlehem to find this newborn king and tells them to return when they have found him so that he, too, may go and pay homage.
Of course, Herod’s motive is anything but honorable. He is threatened by the news of a potential rival to the throne, and his plan is to destroy the child. Matthew recounts the tale of Herod’s ruthless pogrom, unleashed upon the children of Bethlehem. It tears your heart out to think about it.
The magi, for their part, took heed to a warning they received in a dream and did not return to Herod. But they did find the messiah, and they worshiped him.
These wise men represent all the nations and remind us that the good news of Christ’s birth is not just for the few but for everyone — no matter what ethnic group they claim.
At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, we find the same theme. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he appears to his disciples and gives them what has come to be called the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” So, from the start of Matthew’s book to the end, the evangelist (Gospel writer) shows us the one thing on God’s mind: the whole earth and the multitudes in it.
From the very beginning, God has been concerned about all people, not just us. The Gospel knows no boundaries.
Photo credit: JoetheLion
January 6, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Enjoyed reading this tonight!
January 10, 2010 at 10:27 am
Thank you, Becky. I am grateful to God for bringing you into our lives.
January 6, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Thanks for the epiphany message. Love the blog!
January 10, 2010 at 10:27 am
Thanks, Susan.
January 6, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Thanks Isaac. Thoughtful and thought-provoking. What a tender heart God has for us, to send Him for all of us. To woo us (wrong spelling) that were not Jewish too and to care for us so completely–the Good Shepherd caring for us poor, needy, ignorant lambs.
January 10, 2010 at 10:26 am
Judy, thank you for the touching way you describe what was God was doing in the Incarnation.
January 6, 2010 at 10:30 pm
“….they visited with Jesus, they sure enjoyed their stay.
Then warned in a dream of King Herod’s scheme,
they went home by another way…….” JT
“Maybe you and I can be wise guys too, and go home by another way…….”
January 10, 2010 at 10:31 am
Sweet baby James!
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