Epiphany: Searching for Stars

Throughout Christendom, today is the day we celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men (Magi, Kings) to Bethlehem.  It is the day when Christ was made manifest, or known, and it reminds us not only what happened long ago, but the fact that epiphanies happen all the time.

Epiphanies are moments when we arrive at a new place, see something, or someone, as if for the first time. They’re gifts more precious than frankincense, gold or myrrh, particularly when they lead us to know God in a new, real, personal way.

Whenever I think of the wise men, I think of the star they followed. I remember being jealous as a child that they were given a star. In many ways, I’m jealous, still. Wouldn’t it be great to have a clear sign, a light to lead us to God? I am sure there are many still leading us, but they’re hard to recognize. In my eagerness for a star, I’ve often followed the wrong ones.

I’m sure others thought the Wise Men were nuts. It’s ironic that we remember these sojourners who followed a star with such reverence, when the church so often looks down on the star gazers of today. Still, they had the faith to look up, the courage to walk, and, in the end, found what the most longed for.

Today is a day to ask whether we have the faith to look for stars, the courage to follow where they lead.  Most important, today is a day to remember who we long to find?