Epiphany Devotion

Tuesday, January 6, 2026  

Today's Scripture
Matthew 2:1–12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (NRSV)

Reflection

Over the last several years, a meme has circulated on the internet suggesting the Wise Men should have brought useful gifts like diapers, wipes, and a casserole. This year, a new meme made its way around: “If you showed up with spices and talked about how my child is tender and mild, we would have had a problem.” It’s easy (and a little humorous) to focus on the useless gifts of the magi. Don’t get me started on the inappropriateness of sending a little drummer boy to the new mom.

I have certainly missed the mark on gift giving — sometimes spectacularly so. I make note and commit to doing better. As we start this new year, rather than the gifts of the magi, I find myself reflecting on the last verse in our passage, “they left for their own country by another road.”

When we encounter the Messiah, when we meet Christ, do we allow God to redirect our paths? Will we find our way by another path? Today is Epiphany, the day we commemorate the magi finding the Christ child, or maybe it is the other way around, and it is when the Messiah found the magi.

This year, may we be open to God directing our paths even when they seem odd or strange. And perhaps this is the year when we figure out the gifts we really need to give and receive. I doubt gold, frankincense and myrrh will be on anyone’s list.

Prayer

Holy God, order my steps so that they are in alignment with your way. Allow me to be reoriented according to your dream for this world. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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