The story in Matthew happened only because the magi discerned the signs in their midst. Epiphany means "appearing" or "appearance" and in this story a 'star' appeared. As a result of a star appearing, the magi (also known as astrologers, psychics, or fortune tellers) knew that a profound spiritual shift had occurred in the world and they were moved to witness and pay homage to the source of this shift, a new born child. Interesting that it took outsiders to interpret and announce that a child had been born who was to be the king of the Jews. We do not know if they were aware of the prophecies and all the years of anticipating the arrival of this one. The assumption is that because they were outsiders, they were not. In fact, they had to ask the locals where to find him, as if they assumed this was knowledge known by all. The word got to King Herod who these astrologers were seeking, and he too discerned the sign. However, rather than understanding the spiritual significance of the sign, Herod understood the sign to be threat. So Herod answered their question and sent them to Bethlehem, albeit with an alterior motive.
Now, this story contains further signs and symbols; the gifts of gold, frankencinse, and myrhh; and the dream with instructions. When was the last time you took notice of the signs in your midst? Why do we scoff at the notion that God can send us signs via the world around us or in a dream? What if there are signs constantly appearing around us - calling us to awareness of and opportunities to spiritual awakenings? Are we so threatened by those who call attention to the truth in our lives that we write it off as a fluke, or weird, or judge them as someone who couldn't possible know what they are talking about? Yet, at the same time we believe in things unknown or unseen such as the power of prayer.
The truth is we don't want God "appearing" unless it's convenient to our lives. Unfortunately most of us confess seeing the signs when we find ourselves in crisis.
The signs are there - all around us - all the time. The question is, will you see them as the opportunity they are to follow the path of light and healing or will you instead be threatened and find a way to ignore or to snuff out the light alltogether?
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