The Epiphany of the Lord offers an ideal opportunity to reflect upon the real message of the Solemnity of Christmas, that Emmanuel the Christ child has been born among us! The Gospel reading for the feast from Matthew 2:1-12 explains how the Magi embarked on a journey of faith from the East, following the star in the hope of finding the Messiah. When King Herod heard about the birth of Jesus he was deeply troubled and summoned the wise men to find out all about the child. The Magi were overjoyed when the star reached its resting place over Bethlehem and when they saw Jesus with his mother Mary they fell on their knees in adoration, offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They saw the glory and power of God revealed in the simplicity of the Nativity scene and trusted in God’s providence, going back to their country by a different way, having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod.
We too can share in that same joy the Magi experienced as they fell on their knees in adoration of Jesus. Jesus humbled himself to come into the poverty of our existence. Through the simplicity of the crib we can contemplate and give thanks for the gift of faith. Christ was born into the world in the basic surroundings of a stable, among the ordinary people of the time. The Good News is that the same Jesus born in a stable at Bethlehem is present among us today, and his light and love shine forth in the ordinary aspects of our lives once we recognise him. Every Eucharistic celebration gives us the opportunity to make a renewed journey of faith and recognise Jesus at the breaking of bread. At the reception of Communion we are in simple adoration of the Christ child who was born among us for the salvation of the world. We can offer the gift of ourselves and worship him just like the Magi did, trusting that he is indeed with us, even when the journey is not easy.
