As Christmastide ends and we approach Epiphany, we remember the Magi, aka the “Wise Men/Women/Persons.” The Wise Persons were seekers who were willing to follow a vision, and they didn’t arrive at their destination with empty hands. They brought gold since the baby was a king, frankincense since he was to be worshipped, and myrrh since his death would one day be as important as his birth.
Since I became ordained, I’ve been a bit of a cultural Christmas dropout. The sending of Christmas cards is now done by my husband. Even though I have a slew of favorite recipes, I bake no cookies. I wrap few presents. Now that I’m a priest, there just isn’t time! Plus, I need to conserve my energy for the Christmas Eve services at church. So, I’ve often felt connected to the Magi and their giving of gifts 12 days after Christmas. With time to take a breath, my sense is that Epiphany is my time to show my love to family and friends through all my favorite gestures. And this year, I have a message for all of you at St. Bart’s.
One of my favorite hymns is “In the Bleak Midwinter”:
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.
When we give a gift, it leaves our hands empty so that we may receive as well. I give my heart to you, and in return, you give me all the wisdom I could ever need to be your rector and fellow sojourner in Christ. This Epiphany, I wish I could give you all a gift with a tag that reads “To the Most Wise Man/Woman/Person I know!” With God’s help, you make all things possible. This Epiphany, know that I am so grateful to you. Know that you are cherished.
With church now my priority, I’ll never have time to do all the Christmassy things I used to
do as a busy mom. So please accept this message from my heart as your Epiphany gift.
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