As I watched the beautiful Nativity pageant on Christmas Eve this year, a wave of nostalgia came over me, taking me back to Christmases past. My youngest has always loved Christmas and has played a role in various Nativity presentations over the years. I fondly remember the year that Brendan was asked to pinch hit and fill in for the Star of Bethlehem in the Living Nativity in our town. He had no costume, no preparation, no lines, and also no worries! He grabbed the glittery star cut-out that was nearly bigger than he and, on cue, ran towards the stable. He jumped up and down with such enthusiasm and intensity that no one could possibly
miss the Star of Bethlehem that day! The next year, Brendan was cast as the Little Drummer Boy. This time, he
experienced a mild case of stage fright, but after some encouragement, he bravely decided that he would play
the part. He wanted to give his gift to the Baby Jesus – He would play his best for Him. My little drummer boy indeed did his best, genuflecting reverently to pay homage to the Christ Child and offering him the gift of his talents, the gift of his heart, the gift of his love.
On this Feast of the Epiphany, our Gospel takes us on a journey with the magi who followed the star in order to pay homage and give gifts to the Newborn King. In the Epiphany, we encounter the first manifestation of Jesus as the Savior of the whole world. As the Catechism explains, “The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world…The magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations” (CCC, 528). The magi were not Israelites, waiting for the promised Messiah, but
rather were wise men from the East who, in their study of the stars, recognized something extraordinary. Perhaps their decision to follow the star was met with derision and ridicule. Their journey certainly was filled with peril, culminating in their encounter with murderous King Herod himself, and yet, they didn’t waiver. They followed their instincts, took incredible risks, “and behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.” They recognized the wonder and awe of Emmanuel, God with us. Through their actions of faith, the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies became manifest:
“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you… Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.” In their wisdom, the magi recognized the presence of God in the world and acted accordingly.
To me, the Feast of the Epiphany is all about action. When the magi saw the star, they acted, setting out on what probably seemed to others a quixotic and ill-fated journey. Against the odds, they endured, persevered, and came to believe that the child born in Bethlehem was the Savior of the world. Our Gospel stresses that “they were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” This passage is packed with faith-filled actions. After
seeking and
finding Jesus,the magi r
ejoiced, drew near to Him,
worshipped Him, and
gave treasures fit for a King. Jesus became the King of their hearts, not just in words or in theory, but in action. The Epiphany illuminates, as our Psalm suggests, that every nation on earth will adore our Lord. Jesus is King and Savior, not just for a few, but for the whole world.
As I reflect upon the magi, I can’t help but reflect upon my own call to action. How do I seek the Christ Child in my everyday life? Do I rejoice in His presence and make it a priority to draw near to Him? Do I follow the star in order to worship my Lord, no matter the risk? Do I give to my Savior the treasures of my heart – or do I give Him what I have left over at the end of the day? When I think of my Brendan’s actions in those Nativity plays of years past – his exuberance in shining the Light of Christ through the Star of Bethlehem and his reverence in paying homage and bringing his gifts to the Baby Jesus - I am humbled. He held nothing back; He gave his all to Jesus. At five years old, he understood the wisdom of the Magi and acted upon it. Do my actions reflect the same courage, wisdom, and reverence?
As we enter into a New Year, I pray that we may be able to put our faith into action each day, no matter the risk. In the year ahead, may we have the wisdom to seek our Lord and recognize His presence in our lives, even amidst challenges or uncertainty. May 2022 be the year that we give our all to our God who is with us and rejoice in His love, peace, and inspiration. May we follow the light of Christ and share that light with all the nations.