They saw the child.

Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12

An epiphany is a sudden realization of the nature or meaning of something. The birth of a child can be an epiphany that suddenly makes us understand love and responsibility in a new way. A doctor's warning about health problems can be an epiphany that causes us to change the way we eat. And a passage of scripture, a homily, or a spiritual book can be an epiphany that helps us see Jesus in a new and unexpected way.

The Greek word epiphany means "manifestation." Saturday, January 6, 2023, is the day of the Epiphany, and we celebrate how God manifested his glory to the Magi. First, they saw a star and chose to follow it to Jesus. Second, when they found Jesus, the Magi knelt to adore him and pay him homage. Third, the Three Wise Men went home changed.

This pattern can be the same for your life. God visits the earth daily. It could be said that he never left! Every day he stands at the door of your heart and asks: "May I come in?" (Revelation3:20). The Magi did not have to follow the star. They chose to follow the star. You have the same choice to open the door to God.

When the magi saw the divinity of Jesus, they worshiped him. Today, as we celebrate the start of a new year, let the divinity of Christ move you to worship. Contemplate who Jesus is and all he has done for you. Kneel before him—baby in a manger or Savior on a cross—and let joy and gratitude fill you, just as the Magi experienced.

The Magi were changed by what they saw. We know they changed their route to avoid Herod. But even more so, imagine how hard it was for them to come home and get back to “normal”. They had seen the glory of God, and nothing would ever be the same again!

Our lives can be changed by this same pattern: Seeing and worshiping Jesus and receiving a new insight from the Spirit will always improve the way we think, act, and relate to other people.

“Lord, we ask you today for an epiphany. Jesus, help us to see you again and in a different way.

Rev. Javier Ríos