Dear Centenarians,
“It’s not where you’ve been, but where you’re going.”
This quote from a recent movie is appropriate as we find ourselves in the Season of Epiphany, and the start of a new year.
In the Epiphany story from Matthew’s Gospel, the magi traveled from afar to witness the birth of Christ, being guided by the light of the star. While at the manger, they experienced God’s manifestation (the translation of the Greek word epiphaneia), and were transformed in the process.
At the end of their visit they departed for their home country, but went by another road, on the counsel they had received through a dream. They were to travel back home on unfamiliar terrain, without benefit of familiar landmarks, and certainly without a GPS!
Yet, they were obedient to the message given them by God, and left the manger not knowing exactly the route they would take to return home.
This account of the magi speaks to us as we begin a new year, especially in these continuing, turbulent times. We may have our new year’s resolutions in place, and our best-laid plans and intentions defined. But in the end, we really don’t know or aren’t sure if all will go as we plan throughout the next 11 months.
We are in many ways like the magi, who had a fixed idea of the road they had traveled, but then had their plans changed by God.
The magi serve as models of faith by their unyielding commitment to follow God’s leading, while leaving gifts to the Christ child in thankfulness for the gift of life they had witnessed. They placed their faith and fates in the guiding light that God provided them to the manger, and the guidance that God would provide them on their way back home.
Let these magi lead us through their example as we begin the journey of another year, not knowing what will happen, but trusting through faith that God will be the light that leads us.
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
