January the sixth is celebrated as Epiphany, the time when Jesus was revealed to the wise men as the new king of Israel. This day marks the traditional 12th day of Christmas when nativity sets and decorations are packed away for another year. It also provides a good excuse for us to read Matthew’s alternative Christmas story.
In Matthew’s rather grittier version of the story there are no shepherds or sheep, no choirs of angels and no baby Jesus in the manger. Instead the heroes are the magi (wise men or astrologers) who have followed a mysterious star they have seen appear in the sky. Somehow – we’re never told how – they link this heavenly sign with the birth of a child born to be king of the Jews. They come bearing luxury gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and are overjoyed to meet Jesus, whom they bow down and worship. While this story has several legendary elements to it, it probably has a core of truth given later Christian denunciations of astrologers and magicians.
Rather than view the story as the reason why we give each other gifts at Christmas, it encourages us to reflect on what gifts we might offer to Jesus. It also encourages us to continually seek out Jesus, even though the road might be hard and long. Finally it encourages an attitude of joy and worship, as seen in the response of the magi to eventually meeting Jesus. In this most distracting new year period when our anxieties are running high about covid, let us take some time to seek out Jesus and to offer him the best gifts we have, including our worship.