After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory---this was during Herod’s kingship-a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”

(Matthew 2:1-3, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, Eugene H. Peterson) In the United States, the day after Christmas, we could find Valentine’s Day (February 14th) items already in the stores. In fact, some products were making their appearance almost before Christmas. It’s as if “Love” naturally flows from Christmas, itself. There never seems to be an interim period. The wise-men (“scholars”) never really had a chance to tell their story.

This is not the first time that I have wondered about these mysterious “scholars.” I wonder about their background, their own homes, and how they came to be together. As I ponder this translation of the story of the wise-men, the Magi, I am astonished at their sense of purpose and mission. And I am awed by their need to make a pilgrimage to honor this “King of the Jews” without full knowledge of what such a journey or such a king/kingdom could mean.

Epiphany is that season of the Christian year (from what we call the church or liturgical calendar) that comes after Christmas and remembers the wise-men who followed the star to Jesus Christ. Epiphany means “appearance” or “manifestation.” For, this was the first appearance of a sign (of Christ) to those who were not Jews. Those non-Jews were referred to as Gentiles. We think of the Epiphany star which led the wise-men to Jesus.

So what did it feel like, once those scholars, those wise-men, finally came face to face with an infant. Or perhaps by that time, Jesus was a toddler, or a young child. When they actually reached the end of their pilgrimage and beheld the child, what were their thoughts? Did they feel love? Adoration? Confusion? Humility? Devotion? Awe? Wonder? Joy? Misgivings? Dedication? And if these wise-men changed with their adoration of the Christ, how did that make a difference in their life as they returned to their own country? For epiphany (small “e”), the “aha,” is linked to change.

This issue of the ezine, EcuMiniNet™ Online! asks a similar question. What about love? What about our faith? What difference does love make in our lives and the lives of others? How and where are we best able to give and receive such love? Who and how is this demonstrated and experienced? There are some perspectives in the ezine that give us a glimpse of such experiences of worship, love, healing, and change.

Our theme for this year is The Fruit of the Spirit: “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5: 22)

We begin our “journey” with Epiphany and the first fruit. “love.” Change is part of the trip.

May God’s blessing be with you and your epiphanies in faith.

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