Reflections on Epiphany

“We saw his star when it rose…” – Matthew 2:2

While the Jewish shepherds had received the testimony of angels, the Gentile magi were responding to the testimony of the star. The former knew the Scriptures and thus they were disposed to hear the voice of angels; the latter knew not the Scriptures and therefore needed another medium. Hence it was not the Scriptures but the created world that pointed the magi to the Christ.

These wise men were observant of the world in which they lived. Their observations, enlightened with the light of faith, led them to the Lord. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) This is the One through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. This Child is the Reason – the Logos – of the created world.

By faith, the magi see this. He is their Creator; they have come to worship Him.

“Opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11

The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled. The nations have come to the Light of Israel (Isaiah 60:3), bringing gifts of gold and frankincense (Isaiah 60:6). But what do these gifts mean?

Gold is for kings, and this Child is King of the Jews. That is to say, this Child is King of all God’s people, including these magi, for one is a Jew inwardly and circumcision is a matter of the heart. (Romans 2:28-29) By bringing gold, the magi acknowledge Jesus as their King. Their gold is symbolic of the best they have to offer. They are presenting to Jesus not just gifts, but themselves. A true King deserves obedience from his people, and that is precisely what the magi are here offering.

Frankincense is for priests, and this Child is the High Priest. He is the Mediator between God and man, the Sacrifice acceptable to God, the Incense that rises up to the Lord as the one true Prayer of the saints. The magi bring frankincense as an acknowledgment, and also a symbol, of the priestly office of Jesus. They are coming to Him prayerfully, seeking reconciliation with God.

Lastly there is myrrh, an oil for anointing both the place of worship and also the priests who serve there (Exodus 30:22-33). This Child is himself the Tabernacle in whom God dwells. He is also the Priest who offers the one true Sacrifice of himself.

Additionally, myrrh is used for embalming the dead (John 19:39), and thus this final gift of the magi is prophetic: This Child is the One who will die for the sins of many. The magi are coming to Him repentantly, offering Him the mortification of their flesh. They want to “share his sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection of the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11)

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Those who are truly observant of the world can be led by God to the Christ, through whom all things were made. The creation points to her Creator. Those who are attentive to life and enlightened by the Light of faith will come to acknowledge Jesus. He is their King to whom obedience is due, their Priest to whom they pray, their Sacrifice whom they join in death to sin.

This is true wisdom, given freely to anyone who would have it. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.