EPIPHANY THOUGHTS

Matthew 2:1-12  The Voice
....They unpacked their satchels and gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.....

     Today is Epiphany - the 12th day of Christmas has finally arrived.  Yet, as I look around our home and community, the tree has been taken down, the creche gone from the front porch, and already life is returning to 'normal'.  How quickly we put Christmas behind us, for by the time it finally arrives in December, we are tired of all the trappings, the decorations, the fuss and the confusion. I just barely got the last of my baby Jesus figurines into their mangers.  With Jed's sudden surgery, we have managed to celebrate much of the Twelve Days of Christmas this year.   Yet today, I stop and remember the LAST day of Christmas, the day the wisemen (kings-sages) arrive bearing gifts.  
      God makes his arrival on earth in the form of a baby boy, helpless, vulnerable and very dependent. Perhaps we should consider this is how we must come before God as well - child-like, vulnerable, and trusting.  As we come as the wisemen, following the light of the star and bearing gifts, we must come to the stable reliant and trusting, vulnerable to the trials of the world, and dependent on God for all.  We cannot come proud, arrogant, or filled with conceit.  We cannot come assured of our financial wealth and status.  We cannot come to the manger bearing gifts of OUR worth.  We must bear gifts worthy of God: gifts of our heart.  Our gifts must be all that we are deep inside, heart and soul and mind and strength.  Once offered, we can wait and be amazed to see what God will do with our gifts. 
     The Voice translation explained the gifts of the wisemen in terms of their royal and kingly nature.  Gold was the gift of choice for a king.  Scripture said that a new kind of king was to be born.  Incense was a gift for priests and Jesus was to serve as a new kind of High Priest.  Myrrh is a healing ointment, appropriate for one who would heal with a mere touch.  Yet myrrh is also used to prepare a body for the tomb, hence a foreshadow of sacrifice and grace.  The wisemen brought different gifts for different purposes.  We can do likewise.  Our gifts of talents, time, and prosperity are varied.  Each has a purpose and need.  Once offered, we can again wait and be amazed to see what God will do with our gifts. 
     Follow the star.  Follow the light.  Bring YOUR gifts to the newborn baby.  Approach God in the same manner as God came to us.  As a child.  Happy Birthday, Jesus!  Enjoy your presents.