Follow a star...

Why do we look at the stars? What do you see on a cold winter's night when you turn your face skyward and look into the depths of the universe? What do you see in those pin-pricks of light? Do you see science? Do you see mystery? Do you see both?

This weekend is the celebration of Epiphany.  Epiphany is the "church" word for the time when educated VIP visitors arrived at the the place where Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus were. Some versions of the Bible call them astrologers, some say kings. The Bible does not tell us how many there were. Tradition has concluded that there were three because there are three gifts mentioned in the story in chapter 2 of the gospel of Matthew. Neither does the Bible story mention camels - but camels have become a lovely part of our creche scenes and pageants! 

Sometimes we lose some of the meaning of the story in the embellishments.

There is much we do not know about these travelers from the far east. What we do know is that they represent for the gospel writer a global event in the birth of Jesus. This event of the love of God bursting into the world like a new star born was for everyone. All nations, all peoples. Once again we hear the reverberations of the covenant made so long ago "I am your God and your are my people". 

​Love explodes in the galaxy and showers blessing on all creation. Our task is to expand that Love and make sure it finds its way into every corner of darkness. May we have the courage of wisdom to make it so.