Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
THURSDAY, January 6 The Epiphany
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?"
The Epiphany--the "shining through"--of Christ was for all humanity. This fact is symbolically set forth in the visit of the Magi to his manger-cradle. These wise men of the East are thought to have been learned Persians from distant Iran, steeped in the lore of Zoroastrianism, the other great monotheistic religion of ancient times. It was appropriate that they should make that pilgrimage, for the followers of Zoroaster also had a tradition that in due time the One Only God would send to human beings a mediator who would lead them to himself.
In the Epiphany story we see the solidarity of humanity, of the witness that God has maintained among all who seek him in sincerity and truth, and of his willingness to receive all, without distinction. Here also we have confirmation that in the works of nature there is an epiphany of God, for was it not a star that led the Magi? As the psalmist puts it, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork." (1952)
O GOD, who revealed your only Son to the Gentiles by the leading of a star, mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may after this life enjoy the splendor of your gracious Godhead, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ps 72:1-7, 10-14; Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12
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