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Tuesday, January 6
The Epiphany of Our Lord

Read Matthew 2:1-12 & Psalm 72: 1-11
May all kings fall down before Him, all nations serve Him! Psalm 72:11

All Nations Bow Before Him 
To begin our liturgical season of Epiphany. We remember the Wise Men from the East, who came to worship the child Jesus and to bring Him gifts. These men were Gentiles, not Jews. But by their knowledge of Old Testament prophecy, they knew the Messiah was coming, so the watched for Him. When they saw the star, they knew the promised king had been born in Israel (see Numbers 24:17). These non-Jews had faith in God's promises, and that faith led them to bow down and worship Jesus. 

Most of us are Gentiles like the Wise Men, and we, too, have faith in God's promises. We are also looking for the final promises to be fulfilled. We aren't waiting for the Christ to come to save us, for Jesus already accomplished our salvation by His death on the cross. What we're waiting for is for Jesus Christ to return, to create a new heaven and new earth, and to bring us into the Father's presence, where there will be no more sin or sorrow. 

The season of Epiphany is all about the light of the world, Jesus, being made known to all people. During the season of Epiphany, the readings of the church focus on how God revealed His salvation to us through Jesus.

Lord Jesus, "of Jacob's race, King David's son, our Lord and master, You have won our hearts to serve You only!" (LSB 395:1). Amen.