FEAST OF THE
EPIPHANY
From the east came the magi to give
honor and homage to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The magi were a priestly
class from the old Median Empire who were looked on with favor by their conqueror
the Persians and the Parthians afterwards. Under Parthian rule they were even
charged with the selection of the new king when the time came. Their religion
was formed around astrology and the study of the stars. From their studies,
they were able to ascertain that an event was to occur in Bethlehem: the coming
of Our Savior Jesus Christ. The arrival of the magi and their wantonness to pay
homage to the new King of the Jews was an event that is important to our own
journey of faith and salvation story. The Nativity Story further reminds us
that we all have been called forward to partake in the joy of deliverance and
rebirth.
The Shepherds were called to glorify
Jesus. They were not high members of society. They were poor, uneducated, and
hard working. Through shepherds we are reminded that Jesus calls us to him as
we are. It is no matter to him from what walk of life or background we come
from. He calls us to love him and we are asked to respond. We come forward as
sinners and imperfect. It is through Jesus that we begin our journey to
perfection. This perfection is not measured through material wealth or
importance. These things do not matter to Jesus. Our standing in this world has
no bearing on the rewards of eternal life. Everyone is a Child of God. The only
difference between anyone is those who choose to love God and those who do not.
Through this calling we are asked to abandon our earthly desires and ambitions
in favor of God and his love. In God’s eyes we are equal and are encouraged to
treat everyone we encounter as such: sinners we all are with no one better than
the other.
The magi were gentiles. They were not
Jewish and did not follow Jewish customs yet they came to honor Jesus. These
gentiles who were of a completely different faith came forward to recognize
Jesus for what he was. The magi were among the first called and they answered. Through
them we are reminded that we too are called forward regardless of where we came
from. We are new creations through Jesus with our past eliminated. Our sins and
our sinful life are forgotten as we bask in the glory of our Lord. Our life has
begun anew through him. This renewal doesn’t happen just once but it is
continuous. Just as our relationship with Jesus changes with each new day so do
we as we explore ourselves and our faith. We truly are “Earthen Vessels” being
shaped by throughout our lives by Christ. Because we are constantly being
shaped we will indeed make mistakes and fall short of our own expectations. It
is what we do with these mistakes in the future that truly define who we are. Genuine
repentance is necessary in our faith.
We come forward like the magi to pay
homage and love to Jesus even when we do not fully understand him. It is
through this first act that we can then initiate a life with him. A life of
adoration, happiness, and pure joy.
Deacon Tom
Firstly, thank you for commenting on my blog, how did you find me ?
ReplyDeleteSecondly, you do realise that the Magi were not present shortly after the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in the stable as your picture depicts ?
The Biblical account says they went to the "HOUSE" of Mary and it had to have been at least 40 days after the birth because Mary had been to give God sacrifice and was allowed to give only 2 pigeons instead of the normal Lamb, this could only be done if they could not afford it, suggesting they were destitute, not people who had just been given expensive gifts of gold etc.
Thirdly, your post above says :
"Everyone is a Child of God. The only difference between anyone is those who choose to love God and those who do not."
The Word of God says :
John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to "BECOME" children of God,
You see that ?
Also, Jesus said this in reference to your comment "we choose to love God":
John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you.."
And,John 1:13 says: "who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
We cannot, in our fallen state "choose to love God"
Thanks
dale
Hey Dale. I couldn't agree with you more. I am aware that the visit of the Magi did not come closely as much art depicts and how some have chosen to tell the story. Matthew does place the emphasis on their visit and its importance. That was what I was iterating.
DeleteRegarding the term "Child of God." God created all of us so we all are indeed his children.
John 15:16 It can be argued that Jesus was speaking directly to his disciples since this was the Laster Supper Discourses as he said in John 15:8 "By this is my Father Glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."
In reference to John 1:12 The words "But to all who did receive him" designates a choice. You can either receive him and realize your birthright as a child of God or you can reject him.
This leads to original sin which was a rejection God, a turning away.
We are constantly called to return to him but we have the free will t oaccept him or reject him.
All this is stuff of good, healthy discussion. I found your blog by surfing around. I intentionally try to find Christian Blogs with a good faith-filled message and I believe you have one.
Brothers in Christ need to stick together, share the word, and Build Up His Kingdom Here on Earth. With Christ central in our lives we can then evangelize the faith.
I look forward to faith-sharing with you and having a wonderful dialog. I willput your blog under my favorites.
Take care
Your brother in Christ,
Deacon Tom
After all the nice comments I made and then I discover some serious judgement and hatred coming from your direction. This is in direct contradiction to our Christian Faith. You really need to concentrate more on acting out your faith.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 5: 43-48 "43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,[b] 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren[c] only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors[d] do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Jesus commanded it and youshould follow it.
God Bless you.
Deacon Tom