Epiphany

Today the church celebrates the feast of the Epiphany. History and tradition has marked this date as the arrival of the Gentile magi to offer gifts at the feet of the new King of Judea born in Bethlehem, whose birth was astronomical, cosmically foretold by a bright star. Some believe that they saw a rare and brilliant planetary alignment. Others, a comet. Mo matter, it is told by St. Matthew that magi from the East come seeking this King. And they logically begin their search in the palace of the King of Judea--Herod of Jerusalem. They are mistaken. So they travel south to Bethlehem and find the family there. In the city of David. Beth-lehem, The "house of bread or meat", transliterated. There they worship Him, bringing gifts of incense for the gods, gold for a king, and myrrh for one who will die. Odd combination of gifts. No rattles. No baby blankets. No toys. They bring gifts symbolic of His identity and mission. A King whose life will rise like a fragrant offering before god, an offering even in death.
This day has marked Jesus' baptism by John and His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, where he turns water to wine.
For us this day means many things: We are those who have been invited supernaturally to believe in the divinely anointed Kingship of Jesus, the Savior of all people. We are invited as were all the gentiles, beginning with the Magi. Our posture toward this invitation is to be one of worship, ofering ourselves in devotion and service to Jesus. Also, we are called to the waters of baptism, whereby we are made one with Him and heirs of life. We remember our own baptisms on this day, when God reoriented our souls and broke the bonds of sin.
Finally, this is a day of joyful miracles. The mundane and ordianry is made extraordinary in the hands of the Lord Jesus. Look for the miraculous on this day. See God's hands at work in the ordinariness of your day.
May God be made manifest to you on this day in the flesh of Jesus, who died for us and gave His body for our eatiing and drinking.