Sunday’s Blessing – 01/11/2025 – Epiphany

Sunday’s Blessing – 01/11/2025 – Epiphany

This past week the Day of Epiphany was celebrated on the liturgical calendar. It marks the event when the magi (kings from the east) came to see the Messiah born in Bethlehem. It was a very significant moment in the plan of God to redeem all of mankind, not just the people of Israel. All the debate about whether there were only three kings has caused us to miss the real importance of this part of Advent.

The kings which followed the star to Bethlehem were not Jews, yet God included them in the telling of the story of the birth of the Only Begotten of the Father. You see, this Grace and Truth was sent for all people, including the Gentiles (anyone born outside of the Twelve Tribes of Israel). The promise God made to Adam in the Garden of Eden was spoken to a human, not a Jew. Even though God later designated Israel as his Chosen People, He never excluded the rest of humanity. The Messiah would come from Israel, but He would be sent as the Savior for everyone! That is very good news.

Epiphany simply means, “a moment of sudden revelation or insight.” As we saw with the angel appearing to the shepherds, then Simeon outside the temple, and Anna inside the temple walls, God has now revealed His plan to the magi. These kings (regardless of the number) represented all people outside the Nation of Israel. God led them by supernatural wonders, drawing them to see the Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love embodied in the tiny Babe of Bethlehem. They, more than most, understood the importance of lineage and heritage. The throne was handed to the heir of the king if there was one. They realized this Child represented God Himself, and this “epiphany” led them to come and worship Him. Not only did they bring themselves, but they also brought treasures to bless the Messiah.

Today, it is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw people to Christ. If you have not already experienced the “sudden revelation” that God loves you and wants to care for you – all of you – to bring His hope, joy, peace, and love into your life – every part of your life – then perhaps today will be that day. It is the whole meaning of the celebration of Advent. Without the coming of Messiah, Easter would be pointless. Without Easter, then Advent is pointless. This is why both are celebrated in the life of Christians. Join in the celebration and see all that God can do.

Today’s blessing:

May you have an encounter with the Babe of Bethlehem/Sacrifice of Calvary

So your life can be transformed into the fullness of all God brings

So you may realize your purpose in the earth

Which will lead others to a place of Epiphany

May you find the grace, like the magi, to present yourself to the Savior

Withholding nothing, including your treasure

So in return, God can give you His entire Kingdom

Which will bless so many more than you could ever imagine

May the impact of “finding the King in Bethlehem” change you forever

Leading you into a life of seeking the True Treasures found in God

By learning the character and nature of the Creator

And “the chief end of man is to worship God and enjoy Him forever” (the Shorter Catechism)