January 4, Epiphany Sunday

January 4
Epiphany Sunday

We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

We can imagine that the Magi of Matthew’s gospel were truth-seekers. T hey studied the heavens because they were curious about the world and our place in it. Their study led them to follow a strange sign in the sky, a phenomenon that they didn’t fully understand that led them beyond the familiar. Instead of dismissing it because it was inconvenient, they pursued it, yearning to know more.

These wise men seem to know only that this star they followed was pointing to a new king. They weren’t seeking him in order to curry favor or develop an alliance—they just wanted to understand and establish themselves in right relationship to him. They came prepared to honor this king and probably couldn’t have imagined that he was a newborn living in lowly surroundings, and yet they followed where Truth seemed to lead.

Prayer for Morning
God of Truth, all of creation bears your fingerprints. Deepen my curiosity to perceive you in new ways, and grant me the courage to follow where you are leading. Mighty One, I seek you today.

Ponder Today
What inconvenient signs might be leading you to a deeper truth about your life?

Prayer for Evening
God of Truth, help me rest in you who are the deepest truth of my life. Mighty One, attune my heart to yours.