Seeking the Light of Christ: (Matt 2:1-12) - 01.05.2025
- Pastor Jin
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
New Year and Epiphany
As we step into the year 2025, we are filled with hopes, resolutions, and aspirations for what lies ahead. My wish for all of us is simple yet profound: that we may seek Jesus and
experience the joy He brings. What are your hopes for this year? Whatever they may be, I pray that God blesses each of us with His guidance, strength, and peace.
The passage from Matthew 2:1-12 tells the story of the wise men who journeyed from the East to find and worship Jesus. Their journey is one of faith, perseverance, and divine revelation. Their story reminds me of a childhood memory—playing a wise man in a church nativity play. As children, we marveled at how these men found Jesus simply by following a star. How did they know the significance of this celestial sign? What led them to embark on such a long journey?
The Bible does not specify the exact number of wise men, nor their country of origin. Many scholars suggest they came from Babylon, a place where Jewish exiles had once lived and where Daniel had prophesied about the coming Messiah. Daniel 9:25 provides a timeline predicting the arrival of the Anointed One:
"Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild
Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-
two ‘sevens.’"
This prophecy, when calculated, aligns with the time of Jesus’ ministry. The wise men, who were likely scholars and astronomers, may have connected Daniel’s prophecy with their observations of the night sky. When they saw the star, they recognized it as a sign of the Messiah’s birth and set out to find Him.
However, their journey was not guided by the star alone—it was guided by the Word of God. The star was merely a confirmation of what had already been revealed through Scripture. Unlike the shepherds, who received direct revelation from angels, the wise men had to diligently study and interpret God’s promises. This teaches us an important lesson: miracles may happen, but true guidance comes from God’s Word. If we seek Jesus, we must do so with the foundation of Scripture in our hearts.
Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, is a day that marks the revelation of Christ to the world. It is a time to reflect on Jesus' divinity and the salvation He offers. John’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus, the Word, existed before creation and remains with us forever. Just as the wise men sought Him, we too must dedicate ourselves to seeking and worshiping Christ in our daily lives.
Their journey was long and arduous, yet they persevered. Their faith was rewarded when they encountered Jesus, and in response, they offered Him gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh— each symbolizing aspects of His identity as King, Priest, and Sacrificial Savior. Likewise, our journey of faith requires persistence, but it leads to the greatest reward: the joy of knowing and worshiping Christ.
Many people long for miraculous signs like those given to the shepherds, but God has already provided us with His revelation through Scripture. Like the wise men, we must seek understanding through the Word, engrave it upon our hearts, and live in anticipation of Jesus' return. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
As we begin this new year, let us reflect on the divinity of Christ and the salvation He brings. Let us commit ourselves to being bearers of His light, sharing His love with the world. My prayer is that 2025 will be a year of deepened faith, renewed commitment to God’s Word, and shared joy in Jesus.
To help guide us through the year, Ellen and I have prepared Bible verse cards for meditation. Though each card contains a single verse, I encourage you to read its surrounding passages as well. Let us hold onto these words, reflect on them, and allow them to shape our lives throughout the year. At the year’s end, I hope we can come together to share how these verses have impacted us.
A Prayer for the New Year and Epiphany
Gracious and loving God,
As we step into this new year, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Just as the wise men sought Him with faith and devotion, help us to seek You with the same earnestness. Guide us by Your Word, and may it illuminate our path.
Bless this new year with health, wisdom, and spiritual growth. May we be faithful stewards of Your truth, living as witnesses to Your love and grace. Strengthen us to persevere through challenges and find joy in Your presence.
We dedicate this year to You, Lord, trusting in Your unfailing love. May our lives reflect
Your light and truth to all we encounter. In Jesus’ holy name, we pray. Amen.
As we celebrate Epiphany, may we be reminded of God’s boundless love and His calling for us to share His Word. Let us follow the light of Jesus in all that we do. May this year be a journey of faith, revelation, and joy in Him.
Amen
