If Simeon and Anna represent Israel and their longing for God to reenter the temple, the Magi represent the Gentiles seeking God through the stars and planets. Simeon and Anna are the chosen people of God, His special people. The Magi use reason, astrology, intuition, in their search for God; by themselves they are unable to find “the newborn king of the Jews.”
Epiphany means to appear to people, all others beside Israel. Israel had a long tradition of God speaking to His chosen people. With the Law, Covenants, Prophets, Patriarchs, God had told Israel of Himself- His heart, mind and will. He had resided in their temple; sacrifice was offered to Him there. He was expected to come again to Israel.
Now He comes in their midst- the new temple, the new law, the new priest, the new sacrifice, to once more make man right with God- to make every man right with God. God and man meet in a personal relationship and through a Person, in fulfillment of all the tenets God had given Israel. The nation was to be a light for the world. Only through understanding the religious history could it be said where He could be found. Christ is the fulfillment of Israel’s hope; He is found only through the faith and hope God had given Israel. The Magi reveal the one who is the newborn king to the Gentile world.
The baby, Jesus, is the manifestation of God; God who is Love. It is He to whom “they prostrated themselves and gave him homage.” To the king they give gifts; signs of kingship, suffering, burial, which is to come. The darkness of night has been lit by the Star of Bethlehem, so all men might adore Him and be a light to the world, leading man to his eternal home by another way.
Now He comes in their midst- the new temple, the new law, the new priest, the new sacrifice, to once more make man right with God- to make every man right with God. God and man meet in a personal relationship and through a Person, in fulfillment of all the tenets God had given Israel. The nation was to be a light for the world. Only through understanding the religious history could it be said where He could be found. Christ is the fulfillment of Israel’s hope; He is found only through the faith and hope God had given Israel. The Magi reveal the one who is the newborn king to the Gentile world.
The baby, Jesus, is the manifestation of God; God who is Love. It is He to whom “they prostrated themselves and gave him homage.” To the king they give gifts; signs of kingship, suffering, burial, which is to come. The darkness of night has been lit by the Star of Bethlehem, so all men might adore Him and be a light to the world, leading man to his eternal home by another way.
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