Sunday Reflections: Celebrating the Epiphany

By Rev. Beckie Hickok

We are now in the season of Epiphany—from the Greek word, epiphanos—“to appear openly."

The Season of Epiphany from Jan. 6 until Ash Wednesday is the time of the church’s proclamation of the appearance of Christ to the world. The story of the Magi or Wise Men or astrologers or Kings, whatever we call them, in Matthew’s gospel reminds us of that proclamation and that promise. It is the story of Three Men and a Baby. Three men who saw a star shining brightly in the night sky and, with hearts full of curiosity and wonder, decided to follow it. 

Westward leading, still proceeding, they travelled until they reached the house of Joseph and Mary, where upon seeing, “the child with Mary his mother ..they fell down and worshiped him. Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”  

Then, full of joy, they started the long journey home. All because they decided to look up. I sometimes think that a lot of what disgruntles us could be fixed if we too could remember to look up once in a while. 

One of our favorite things to do at our house is take a night walk in our woods with the dogs on a winter’s night. Sparkling stars spread across the sky as if God knocked over a jar of iridescent cookie sprinkles. A wonder. Truly. Reminding me of the young son of a friend, years ago, who, upon seeing a shooting star, ran inside to tell his parents. Nodding their heads absently as parents are wont to do, they returned to their Very Important Adult conversation. 

Refusing to be ignored, the boy stomped his feet and demanded, “You be glad at that star!” Indeed! Taking time to notice what goes on, not just in our immediate sphere but all around and above and beyond us, helps us to hold on to a sense of wonder. 

Besides, you never know where that star will lead you. It could, you know, lead to Love.  

Rev. Beckie Hickok is the pastor at in Regent Square.