Epiphany marks the end of Mary and Joseph's journeys. Their baby has been born. They've been to the Jerusalem temple for the presentation of their Son and Mary's purification. They've now returned to Nazareth. The shepherds are again watching their flocks, forever moved by their experience. The Wise Men have arrived in Bethlehem to worship the newborn King of the Jews and to present their gifts. They will return to their homes by another way, for they had been warned in a dream not to report what they had seen to Herod.
We, too, in at least one sense, have completed our journey to Bethlehem accompanying Mary and Joseph and the shepherds and the Wise Men to the Savior's birthplace. We have completed our journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
But in another sense, only part of our journey is completed. Now the question is this: how has the journey changed us?
Some may say there is no change. Some will more fully appreciate and love God for sending His Son to be their Lord and Savior. Some will acknowledge a deeper desire to convey God's love in more sacrificial ways. Some will lift their voices with the angels in praising God. Some will seek out opportunities to be a servant, even as Christ came to serve us.
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem is completed for this season. We have journeyed through the seasons of Advent and Christmas. But the journey as a people who worship Jesus the Christ continues. We do so as His ambassadors. We do so in our churches, our communities, and around the world.
May God bless our continuing journey!
THE PRAYER: O heavenly Father, thank You for the journey through Advent and Christmas. Bless us as we journey on until we are safely with You in heaven, our eternal Promised Land. Amen.
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