morgenster

The magi have been a favourite theme of Christian art, ever since there was such a thing. Long before shepherds appeared on Christmas scenes, even before Jesus was sculpted and painted in a crib with ox and donkey behind, the coming of the magi was portrayed. From the earliest times, from as early as the third century, the magi are to be found depicted in catacombs and on sarcophagi.

So many wonderful themes are entwined in the story of the magi (Matthew 2) – these include the affirmations that faith is a journey, and there is great joy in giving. But as I have been considering this story, it is God’s grace that comes to the fore for me this week. The magi were ‘outsiders’ who were not of God’s covenant people, but God sought them out and lead them to the side of the Christ. The magi sought meaning in the inanimate stars, but God used their seeking to bring them to he who John would declare is ‘the way, the truth, the life’ (John 14:6). This story is all about God’s grace, and our joy. No wonder it has been a favourite scene in the worship of Christians through the millennia!

Radiant One, every day is an epiphany in which I, too, can pay you homage. Every day I can kneel before you and open the treasure chest of my life. In there, I find unending gifts of every kind to offer you. Every day I bring my gratitude to you, my desire to grow more loving, my longing to be true. Every day I reach into that treasure chest and offer my trust that you are near, my hope for all you promise, my belief in what is unseen. Every day I offer my desire to live justly, my commitment to be generous, my struggle to be whole. Divine Light, I give these gifts and so much more … Bestower of Gifts, thank you for all that my treasure chest of life holds. (Joyce Rupp)

Join us as we hear the story and sing the joy of Epiphany this Sunday. A nursery for infants is available during the service. Free parking is available along the streets and in a city lot off Queen Street just behind the church.

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