The beauty of the Epiphany lies in its revelation that God’s truth is made manifest to those who seek it with open hearts, regardless of their origin. As we read in the Gospel of Matthew, the only Gospel to recount this event: “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage’” (Matthew 2:1-2, NABRE).
God often presents us with signs, inviting us to follow them in faith. The magi saw the star—a great celestial phenomenon—and chose to pursue it, trusting it would lead them to something extraordinary. They did not fully understand its meaning at first, yet their journey brought them to worship the child Jesus, the Savior born into the world: “On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11, NABRE).
In stark contrast stands King Herod, a learned ruler who knew the Jewish prophecies well. Yet his heart was consumed by power and fear of losing his throne. The same star that brought joy to the magi filled Herod with dread—a perceived threat to his rule. He deceived the magi, pretending to share their desire to worship the child, while secretly plotting his death: “Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage’” (Matthew 2:7-8, NABRE). When the magi, warned in a dream, returned home by another route (Matthew 2:12), Herod’s rage led to the tragic massacre of all boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16).
The magi viewed the star through eyes of wonder, hope, and openness, seeing it as a joyous and momentous sign. Herod saw it through eyes of hatred, insecurity, and self-preservation.
God reveals Himself in diverse ways: to the magi through an actual star; to Joseph through dreams, both warning him to flee to Egypt and later to return (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23); and again to the magi in a dream, guiding them safely home. Remarkably, these magi were foreigners—strangers from a different culture, Gentiles outside the covenant of Israel—yet God drew them to Himself, manifesting His salvation to all nations.
This story teaches us, believer and non-believer alike, the profound importance of how we interpret signs, symbols, and promptings in our lives. The Epiphany reminds us to approach God’s revelations with humility and trust, rather than fear or control.
As I mark my doorway today in the traditional Epiphany blessing, I am deeply thankful for God’s protecting hand over me and His gentle guidance to perceive the truth amid a world full of competing interpretations. I pray that God continues to open my heart to His signs and grant me the grace to read them rightly. Amen.
God Bless 🙏💕
Be Inspired! 
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