Dia de los Reyes

Today marks Epiphany - the day the kings (wise men, magi) finally visited Jesus. Three Kings? Well, at least two, but not necessarily kings. Rather, as the Gospel tells us, they were astrologers, who discovered Christ by looking at the stars. And they caused such a stir when they visited Herod, that there may have been quite a few people in their company. When did they see Jesus? If you had the Wise Men in the manger at Christmas, you were a little off. The Wise Men (Kings, Magi) were journeying to see Jesus on Christmas, but did not see him in the manger. Matthew records that they visited Christ in a house. And Christ is described as a child, not a baby, so clearly, this is no longer a new born. In fact, Herod orders the killing of all boys less than two years of age, so apparently, Jesus may have even been walking by the time the Magi made their visit. And what a crazy, magnificent scene that must have been to see grown men worshiping a toddler! And even more mind blowing: what was the toddler Jesus thinking while this was happening?

So if you had the Wise Men in your manger this year, that's ok, but maybe next year, you can get it right. Move the Wise Men across the living room or down the hall. I will say that the youth at my former church have taken this to heart, much to the chagrin of the church leadership. I was told that over the past month, the wise men in the church display have been relocated (more than once), depicting them as traveling to see Jesus rather than with Jesus in the manger - it makes me proud. After four years as their youth minister, it is good to know that they learned something from me. So as we celebrate Epiphany today, we are bringing a close to Christmas 2007, not 2008. The Magi from this year's pageant won't make their visit until 2010. So, for those who are sad Christmas is over, it's not - not until after we celebrate next Christmas. So really, we are always in the middle of the Christmas season! Merry Christmas 2007 today as we celebrate the arrival of the Magi. And more importantly, as we see that Jesus came for all people, and that everyone everywhere, when they seek truth, will be led to Jesus Christ.