Sunday 2 January 2022
The Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you – Psalm 71(72):1-2, 7-8, 10-13. Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6. Matthew 2:1-12.
The visit of the Magi
Who were the Magi? Matthew’s Gospel is the only part of the Bible where these pilgrims are mentioned. In a story that contains some of the more head-scratching parts of the New Testament, particularly mysterious are these gift-bearing mystics who can divine the future – and directions – from the night sky. The star leads them to Jerusalem, where they ask Herod about the birth of a new king. The Magi must have been important enough to gain an audience with Jerusalem’s ruler, as Herod doesn’t brush them off, but calls for the chief priests. The chief priests also take the Magi seriously, quoting prophecies about where the Messiah is to be born. They assist, directing the pilgrims to Bethlehem. There, the Magi find the house of Jesus’ birth where they offer lavish gifts. Were they Babylonian astrologers? Assyrian scholars? Persian Zoroastrians? It’s not said how many of these mystics made the journey. Might have been three. Might have been 30. Matthew’s account of Christ’s birth is full of unusual phenomena. Perhaps most noteworthy is that those who first recognise the specialness of Christ were unnamed strangers from a foreign land who appear only a moment; evidence that the hope of Jesus, from the time of his birth, extends to all.
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