The word epiphany means a sudden insight and or revelation. An epiphany is what happens when pagan wise men, probably Zoroastrians and astrologers, from Persia are drawn to the small town of Bethlehem (or perhaps Nazareth, the scripture passages do not say that the wise men arrived exactly at time of our Lords birth, Herod's edict to kill all children under two seems to indicate that some time had passed from the time of the Lords birth). This visit by the wise men shows that Jesus came to save all man kind, not just the Jews. The wise men represent all non-Jews or gentiles. It is interesting to note that among the Jews those called to visit Jesus were poor uneducated shepherds and from among the gentiles it was the educated and wealthy. This may indicate the contempt that God had for the cultural decay among Jews and the hope he has for the rest of the world. This is the insight we gain from these events. God reveals to us that salvation is for all mankind and that while his life is intended to fulfill the Jewish prophesies and it is from the Jews that salvation comes, the whole world now has access to the grace of God via his son Jesus.
The wise men bring interesting and symbolic gifts. Gold, Incense and Myrrh. Gold represent worldly riches and royalty indicating a recognition of these gentiles of Jesus royal lineage. Incense is used in worship in virtually all major world religions, this indicates the recognition of the wise men of the divine nature of Jesus. Myrrh indicate that the wise men were aware of the mission of Jesus to die as fitting sacrifice for all of mans sins. A mission even the most learned amongst the Jews would not recognise.
I pray that this is but one epiphany we enjoy in our walk of faith in Jesus.
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