Epiphany 2014

Christmas II (Epiphany observed) Matthew 2: 1-12

“We have observed his star at its rising.”

Did you ever send out written announcements to your family and friends at the birth of a child? Our Heavenly Father announced the birth of His co-eternal Son in Jesus Christ with the appearance of a star.

There is a context to this stellar birth announcement. Ancient people held a belief that could be expressed in the phrase: “as above so below.”

It was a belief that the pattern of the universe derives from a transcendent eternal source. The Greeks expressed this belief in the word: Logos.

As the universe reflects the transcendent pattern in its laws and structures at the highest and broadest levels in the stars and planets- so those structures can give insight into the patterns of life here on Earth.

That was the belief.

The Magi tested that belief. They had been educated in math and science as well as astrology and religion. As with the prophets of Israel they tested their inherited beliefs with observation and rational analysis of experience- their own personal experience as well as the experience of other people.

The Magi had knowledge, wealth and a certain degree of power. They also had something most people then and most people now lack. They had curiosity informed by humility.

They avoided the skepticism of the Greek philosophers, the cynicism of the Roman aristocracy and the fanaticism of the Jewish religious elites. They also questioned the superstitions of the masses of people in the ancient world.

They observed. They questioned. They tested. They acknowledged they could only discern truth through inquiry and humility.

As they followed the star they pursued a path that most people in their time and ours reject.

God had announced the birth of his incarnate Son, Jesus, to the world in the star. Only a very few people then and now paid attention to the announcement enough to perceive the invitation in the announcement.

From time to time modern skeptics, both religious and secular, ask: where is God? Why is he not speaking? If God is real let him demonstrate his reality in the terms and under the conditions we understand.

The long and consistent observation of Moses, the prophets and the Magi is that God is as present to us as our next breath. God speaks in clarity to all people everywhere. The problem is not that God is silent. The problem is that most people most of the time aren’t paying attention. The problem is that we cannot see the path before us even when it is illumined by the brightness of a star, the word of the prophet and the song of the angels.

Epiphany is the manifestation of the Real Presence of God to all people everywhere. It is the invitation to walk the path of curiosity with humility. It is the defining principle of wisdom that says: now I know in part.

How is God speaking to you? Are you paying attention? Are you willing to be found? Do you have a desire to be surprised when God acts through nature to reveal the eternal pattern of the logos that gives the natural world its substance and form?

The Magi visited the political and religious elites of Jerusalem with a single purpose. We have observed his star at its rising. How can you help us understand this sign? What insight can you offer to help us complete our long journey on the path to Truth?

They found the answer they were looking for. They completed this first part of their journey only to discover a fuller understanding of the path. The fuller understanding is the way of grace. It is the way of faith. It is the personal relationship God offers all of us and each of us in Jesus Christ.