Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 5, 2025

Date: Epiphany of the LORD

Scripture Text: Matthew 2:1-12

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.”

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:

And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

since from you shall come a ruler,

who is to shepherd my people Israel.”

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.” After their audience with the king they set out.

And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for Epiphany recounts the magi’s search for the Christ child as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Two key elements that we must be careful not to miss are the star – the LORD’s active guidance in our world – and the lack of awareness on the part of those to whom Christ is sent.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I notice the LORD’s presence and actions in my life?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, as we continue to celebrate the great gift of your beloved and only-begotten Son as our Savior, we realize how easy it is to miss your loving presence, your gifts to us as your daughters and sons. Send your Spirit to awaken in us the awareness of You and your loving power and presence in our lives. Grant that we may recognize your Son in our midst and follow Him. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.