The gospel reading from Matthew today evokes cherished memories for me—and perhaps for you as well. Many of us have fond reminiscences of taking part in or watching the Church Christmas pageant in our childhood. You know the one where we donned costumes as shepherds, the Magi, or the Holy Family.

Who could forget the Angel Gabriel stumbling over her lines, or the shepherd with his obviously fake sheep? And then there was the sweet six-year-old playing Mary, who moved her mother to tears just by sitting with baby Jesus, exuding innocence.

We revisit this story repeatedly because we desire to experience the miracle of Jesus's birth and the visit from the Magi. Imagine if the Magi hadn't followed the star to find Jesus.

This narrative from Matthew is part of scripture, read as we recognize Epiphany (which actually occurs on January 6th, allowing us to keep our Christmas trees up for a couple more days). There is a profound significance behind this simple story of the Christ child born in a stable and the visit from the Magi. Matthew is revealing both the identity of Jesus and the nature of God.
Let's delve into the feast of Epiphany.

The term "epiphany" signifies an appearance or manifestation, especially of a divine being, or an enlightening insight or revelation. In our story, Epiphany represents the initial revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles since the Magi were not Jewish. From the outset, we see that God's plan for salvation embraces Gentiles too; we do not need to wait for Jesus as an adult or for Paul's ministry to them.

While the church has included Gentiles for centuries, Epiphany holds even greater importance. It celebrates the breaking down of barriers and the ending of hostilities among diverse groups. This serves as a crucial reminder, especially in light of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Epiphany challenges us to reconsider those we believe are beyond the reach of God's love. It pushes us to transcend our tribal tendencies and to embrace even those we may find hard to love. This is a significant concern, as loving those outside our circles can be difficult—but through Christ, it becomes possible. This encapsulates the Epiphany message that began with the Nativity story.

Now, let's examine the Magi—their identity and Matthew's intentions for us. Their exact number isn't specified; we often assume three due to the three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Bible doesn't mention their names.The names traditionally associated with the three wise men, or Magi, are Melchior, Gaspar (or Caspar), and Balthazar. Likely, they were scholars from one of the world's oldest belief systems—the Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. Their sacred texts include a prophecy about a virgin bearing a son destined to be a king at thirty. They believed other religions might have similar accounts, including the Jewish faith.

Additionally, the description of the Magi coming from the "East" carries deeper meaning. The term used for "East" implies "the rising," referring to the rising sun. This imagery of light is frequently associated with salvation in Scripture. Thus, Matthew indicates that the Magi perceive Jesus as the one who brings salvation to the world. The star serves as another symbol of light entering our lives.

You might have noticed that the Old Testament reading from Isaiah, which correlates with the Magi's story, states:

"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."

"Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."

"Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice."

"All those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord."

Matthew illustrates that light has entered the world, and the Magi's story fulfills the Old Testament prophecy found in Isaiah.

Subsequently, Matthew recounts the Holy Family's journey to and from Egypt, along with Herod's order to massacre the innocent. This serves to draw parallels between Jesus and both Moses and the nation of Israel. Recall that Moses escaped a decree from the Egyptian Pharaoh mandating the slaughter of newborn Hebrew boys. Similarly, Jesus avoided Herod's paranoia about threats to his kingship by fleeing to Egypt. In this manner, Jesus fulfills prophecies and continues the narrative of Israel.

Now, let's discuss Herod. This Herod, known as Herod the Great, ruled from 37 to 4 BC. He was an impressive king in many ways. His ancestors had converted to Judaism, and he was raised in that faith. He maintained peace and oversaw the construction of the temple. However, he was also deeply paranoid, having murdered rivals and even family members. One of his surviving sons, Herod Antipas, would later execute both John the Baptist and Jesus.

Once again, Matthew wants us to link the birth of Christ with his death on the cross.

To summarize, what should we take away from Matthew's account of the Magi, and what Good News does he hope to convey?

First: The Epiphany symbolizes the "revelation" of God in Jesus, celebrating God's Incarnation, who, as the Messiah, came to earth as a human to bring light and salvation.

Second: It signifies Jesus's arrival on Earth, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a kingly Messiah from David's lineage, with the Magi from an ancient faith validating this prophecy.

Third: It serves as a reminder that life encompasses death, and through death, we discover new life in Christ.

Finally, it underscores that everyone is welcomed at God's table. Salvation is accessible to all—Jew and Gentile, friend and foe, and even those we might want to exclude. The light of Christ entering the world during Epiphany is universal and all-embracing.

AMEN

2

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,

2 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.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

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

8 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.

9 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.

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

11 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.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.