Week of January 6, 2000
Epiphany ("Little Christmas")
Rosemary S.

"...there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary his mother and knelt down and paid Him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh..."
     Matthew 2:1-12

In our house, Epiphany comes on January 4 instead of January 6. Our oldest child was born on January 4, and she reasoned when she was quite small that if the wise men brought gifts to Jesus, they must also be responsible for the ones that she received. Since exact dates are chosen by humans, anyway, what difference could two days make? So, on the first Sunday in Advent, we set up the empty stable, and add appropriate figures as the season progresses. On her birthday, we complete the scene with the wise men and the camel. The tableau is now complete: Holy family, angels, shepherds and sheep, along with a few "special" characters the kids have added over the years.

The wise men brought gifts -- and tradition has it that there were three wise men because of the three gifts mentioned in the scripture. There is no real indication, however, of just how many magi there were. Henry Van Dyke wrote "The Story of the Other Wise Man". This is the tale of a fourth pilgrim, Artaban, who wandered his entire lifetime seeking the Holy child. Take a few moments this Epiphany season to read this short book alone or with your family, and then decide which Magi gave the greatest gift! (There are also a couple of poems which indicate that some of the wise "men" may have been women.)

Speaking of gifts, God has given us the greatest gift of all. Each day in the mail, by telephone, and now even by e-mail, we receive notices about "free gifts" being offered. Some translations of the Bible use "free gift" in place of "grace", so that Titus 2 speaks of the grace or "free gift " of God that brings salvation, and Acts 15:11 states, "But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace (free gift) of the Lord Jesus."

How shall we receive this incredible gift of grace? Like some Christmas gifts, does it remain in a box, unopened and neglected? Do we look at it, say "that's nice" and put it in a closet or drawer? Do we try to exchange it for something we think we want more? Do we even pause in the sometimes frantic event to say, "Thank you"? In order to be of value, a gift must be used, shown to our friends, and even shared with others. Will we give our thanks to God by telling others of the gift, by passing on the "Good News"?

How will you respond to your very best Christmas gift this year?

You give yourself to us, O Lord;
then selfless let us be,
to serve each other in your name
in truth and charity. Amen
(Hymn 711 - "With One Voice")

Contributed by Rosemary S.
Published Thursday January 6, 2000
Week 6 of Liturgical Year B