Epiphany | Another Way

[The Magi] departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:12b, ESV)

Today is the Epiphany. This is the day we commemorate the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolizing Jesus’ roles as King, priest, and sacrifice for our salvation.

I mentioned this in worship last Sunday, but I wanted to revisit it again because of how meaningful I find it this New Year. Matthew tells us that the Magi were warned in a dream to stay as far away from Herod as possible, so they returned home another way. That is a very important little nugget there, because of how Matthew uses the word, way, elsewhere in his telling of Jesus’ story. The inference is that the Magi returned home transformed, as different people, because of what they saw and experienced. Their encounter with the newborn Messiah left them changed. It should do the same for you and me.

Epiphany marks the end of the 12-day Christmas season. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been a little sad seeing the decorations come down and the cold stillness of winter set in around me. The glory of Christmas does not have to end, however, because it should leave us all changed and changed for all time. I hope we can dive into January not just glum because the charm of Christmas is passed, but embrace another way…changed, transformed, redeemed and restored in the glory of our encounter with the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus. Immanuel. God’s Son. Our Savior.

May we all seek to leave the past where it belongs, and commit (or recommit if need be) to live another way! God’s way. Jesus referred to Himself as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), so let’s keep seeking Him and discover the unbelievable love of God who dared to give us His one and only Son.