The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord | Sunday 7 January 2024

Today is Sunday the 7th of January, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.


Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Star of Wonder’.

Star of wonder
Star of royal beauty bright
Shine your light on earth below
Guide the way
For a King
Wise men bring their gifts of gold
Sweet perfume and precious oil
Holy anointing
Gloria, gloria…
Empty handed
Can I come just as I am?
Or like a shepherd, bring a lamb?
A humble offering
Gloria, gloria…
In the heavens
Gloria, gloria…
Gloria
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord (So we sing gloria…)
Gloria, gloria…
Peace to earth




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
 are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
 who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Place yourself in two contrasting scenes today.

The first scene is a palace with a despot for a ruler. There’s a surprising visit from a group of journeying sages. See the colours, feel the textures of robes, hear the voices, sense the tension, watch the tyrant give his orders, get his way. How are you feeling?

The second scene is a basic home, temporary accommodation. A young first-time mother with her baby. A father, a little older perhaps, helping out. Maybe some animals nearby. See the colours, feel the textures, smells of humanity and animals all around. This birthplace chosen for the Son of God.

Look up at the star. Gaze for a while at all that it represents.

Bring the visitors into the holy scene. Watch their facial expressions as they enter. See the reaction of the couple. Watch the baby. Witness as the gifts are brought.

Where are you? What do you do? How do you feel?

Allow the scene to unfold in your mind’s eye. Enjoy the richness. The mystery.

In these closing moments , give thanks to God for the gift of His Son.

Commit this day, this year to the Lord. Your commitment could be the very gift that you bring.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.