Sunday 4 January 2026. Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,10-13, Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6, Matthew 2:1-12
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)
Today’s feast is akin to a second Christmas, but slightly different. While we celebrated the birth of baby Jesus on 25 December, today we celebrate the realisation that God was born in human flesh. Today, we celebrate the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy as contained in our first reading: “Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:3). Let us now consider some lessons from today’s readings.
1. Jesus Christ is King of All Nations
In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul asks: “Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one, and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.” (Romans 3:29-30).
The fact that Jesus was visited by wise men from the East (non-Jews) indicates that He wasn’t born solely for the Jewish nation. Jesus was born as the Saviour of the whole world. This is precisely the message that was revealed to St. Paul, as he states in our second reading today: “The Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6).
2. Every King Has a Star
The wise men did not have the privilege of an angel appearing to them, as with Zechariah or Mary; they probably did not know the prophets. A star caught their attention, and they understood that it was a sign of the birth of a king whose coming among men could not be ignored, a king whose very presence demanded the adoration and recognition of all other kings.
The fact that the star guided the wise men to leave their homes demonstrates that nature is expressive; it speaks; it reveals to us the wonder of God, the creator. The wise men were wise enough to understand that the star was not a deity to be worshipped, but a voice that communicated with them about God.
Like Jesus, we carry a star; we were born with a purpose. Your life is not, and can never be, a mistake. Just as we all have stars, we are destined to become stars that direct others to Jesus. There should be something about you that prompts people to seek Jesus.
3. Not All that Glitters is Gold
Upon reaching the Land of Israel, the Wise Men believed there was no better place to find the new King than in Herod’s Palace. This was a mistake on their part. Despite being frightened by the news of another king, Herod consulted the chief priests and scribes about Christ (the long-awaited Messiah). Herod aided the Wise Men by directing them to Bethlehem to search for the child, but he did so with ulterior motives. This story teaches us that not all that glitters is gold.
Additionally, it reveals that God operates in mysterious ways. The palace may appear appealing, but it may not align with God’s plan for us. Once more, not everyone who smiles alongside us has good intentions. Herod was distressed but did not show it; he pretended to care about Jesus and instructed the wise men to report back to him. The fact that Herod consulted the Bible in his attempt to understand the visit of the Three Wise Men demonstrates that, in moments of hardship and anxiety, we can gain insight by reading the word of God.
4. The Gifts and Their Meaning
Upon seeing the child, the wise men fell and worshipped Him. Every time we come before Jesus, we are meant to do precisely what the wise men did. The wise men are called wise because they recognised the divinity of Jesus. No wonder the psalmist says: “Only a fool will say there is no God.” (Psalm 14:1, 53:1)
The wise men brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This is Epiphany, a revelation of Jesus’ identity as KING, PRIEST, AND SAVIOUR of the world. Jesus had not yet begun to talk or walk when this occurred, yet it is clear to the world that He is God in human flesh. He rules as King with gold, sanctifies as a Priest with incense (which we still use today at Mass), and as Saviour of mankind. Jesus’ body was preserved with myrrh when he offered his life for our salvation.
Conclusion
The wise men presented gifts to Jesus because they recognised His Divinity, Kingship, and Sacrificial role for mankind. The question is: “What kind of gifts do I offer to Jesus? And what do my gifts reveal about Jesus?” Indeed, the best gift we can give to Jesus today is a righteous life, a pure heart, and hands willing to follow God’s commands.
Let us pray: O God, who on this day revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations by the guidance of a star, grant in your mercy that we, who know you already by faith, may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Epiphany of the Lord. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Isaiah 60:1-6, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,10-13, Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6, Matthew 2:1-12)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu