Exceeding great joy

Read

⁷ Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. ⁹ When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. ¹¹ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Reflect

When the star stops over the place, the wise men 'rejoiced with exceeding great joy', worshipped the child, and offered 'gold, and frankincense and myrrh.' January 6 is Epiphany in Western churches; Orthodox churches keep the date as Theophany, the baptism of Christ, and those that follow the old Julian calendar keep it on January 19 and celebrate Christmas tomorrow, January 7.

Pray

Lord Jesus, the wise men gave you their treasures. Receive my thanks and the gifts I have to offer, and send me home another way, changed by meeting you. Amen.