The Feast of The Epiphany
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Matthew 2:1-12
Dear Mama,
This is a hard letter to write but need you to know what has transpired. In the middle of the night, we were awakened by three visitors. They were chiefs of their tribes, robed in luxurious furs and fine garments and they arrived with servants. We were astounded by their arrival and even more so by their story. They had seen a bright star in the heavens and traveled many hundreds of miles to find us. They told us that the star indicated a new chief had been born, a chief who would rule the people in a new way. They had gone to palaces and had been received with interest and welcome but found no new child born. Their visit upset Herod and they say he felt so threatened that he ordered the killing of young children. They were horrified!
They were thrilled to finally find us! These very regal and learned men bowed down at our feet and showered us with so many gifts! They knew right away they had found the king they were looking for. Joseph and I had hardly wiped the sleep from our eyes when they came into our humble dwelling place. We felt a bit shabby and ashamed of our situation, but they did not care about any of that. We feel like wealthy people now with all the expensive treasures they gave us, treasure fit for a king!
Mama, they also told us that we are not safe and there are soldiers and spies looking for us night and day. This little boy has a price on his head! They were directed to immediately return to Herod and let him know when they found the new king. After leaving the palace, they found out how cruel and jealous Herod was and will not return to him. They told us we should not return home but flee to Egypt for safety. No where in all of Palestine would be safe for us. They told us to arranged passage for the three of us out of the country immediately. I cried when they left, Mama, as all that I want to do is return home to you and Papa. Joseph held me until my tears were past and then shared a dream he had. He dreamed we left for Egypt in the middle of the night. He was stunned when the chiefs told us to go to Egypt and he knew that the Lord was sending us a clear message. So off we go, as soon as the sun sets, into a foreign country to live as refugees.
Oh Mama, I don't know what else to say but that I love you and Papa so very much. We will send word when we are safe. The gifts given will supply our needs for a long time, so we don't have to worry. Please pray for us and pray I can be brave and strong for the days ahead.
Love,
Mary
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