(Source from The Word Among Us)

They prostrated themselves and did him homage. (Matthew 2:11)

In your high school English class, you might have learned that an “epiphany” is the moment when a character is struck with a life-changing realization that changes the rest of the story. Every good novel has one. That’s one way to think about the feast we’re celebrating today. God revealed himself to the Gentiles, and that moment changed everything. 

There had been hints of God welcoming the Gentiles throughout the Old Testament. But Matthew’s Gospel shows us this pivotal moment: pagan astrologers from the East came to worship Jesus, the newborn king of the Jews (2:11). They are the first of the “nations” whom Isaiah prophesied would walk by the Lord’s light (Isaiah 60:3). They are the first of those Paul says will be “coheirs . . . in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). 

Why is this event so important? Because it reveals to us that God’s love is far more expansive than anyone had ever thought. We begin to see that in Christ, a loving relationship with God is open to everyone who comes to him, Jew or Gentile.

That includes you! And your annoying cousin. And the notorious criminal on death row. And the atheist on that YouTube channel. The invitation to come to Jesus extends to everyone. Because God’s loving desire to draw all people to himself cannot be contained; no one is excluded from it. And that’s a life-changing realization!

Today, as you celebrate this great feast, give thanks to God who loves so extravagantly that he opens his arms wide to welcome everyone who believes. Pray, too, that all people will come to the Lord.

“Lord God, your revelation to the Gentiles has changed the course of history! Thank you for your love that reaches out to everyone!”