The weather is certainly a topic on everyone’s mind these days: From the piles of snow and the subzero temperatures to plows and snowblowers and shovels moving the white stuff from one place to another. Then the meteorologists tell us it’s gonna be 50 degrees on Monday, only to drop back into the teens on Tuesday. You can’t help but be effected by the twists and turns of such weather.
As I reflected on today’s feast of the Epiphany, I began to wonder what the weather was like as the Magi made their journey toward Bethlehem. I am sure they encountered their own kind of twists and turns. And to think they were following a star. What happened when it was cloudy and a starless night? Did they wait it out or did they guess? Whatever they did, they were persistent and ultimately they came to the place where the Child lay, wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger.
Yes we are all on that journey toward the manger of Bethlehem. We too are searching for a more complete revelation of Christ. But along the way we too encounter the twists and turns of turbulent weather. The storms of life take many forms: from anxiety and fear to illness and death and everything in between. Those are the times when the sky is darkest and when it is more difficult to find our way.
Epiphany means to show forth. As the Magi have shown us, by being persistent and seeking guidance, they reached their destination and the Christ child was revealed to them. By our own faithfulness through the dark times, we will likewise be rewarded and the Savior will be shown forth for us.
May the gift of this Christmas Season enrich us and enlighten us all our days.