The Epiphany of the Lord – 07th January 2024
The People in darkness have seen a great light…
The word Epiphany means to reveal or to make known. This Sunday, these strangers whom we call kings, who were led and drawn by the light of a star to come and do homage to Jesus. They arrive with strange gifts as they bend low and kneel in front of the King of Kings. These kings from far off lands are humbled in the presence of Jesus. The birth of Jesus is no longer meant just for the People of Israel, but for the whole human race.
People reacted differently to the birth of Jesus. The shepherds recognised one of their own in that animal shed; someone who would later say of himself, ‘I am the Good Shepherd.’ The kings, too saw one like themselves; someone who would later say of himself, ‘Yes, I am a King.’ Herod, however, who was a powerful and influential king was worried, anxious and even threatened by this child. It was Jesus who had the real power, not Herod.