Scripture and a Snapshot - For All Nations (Epiphany)

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel."

~Luke 2:25-32~

Today is Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas, and the day chosen to remember the visit of the Magi. The word Epiphany comes from a Greek word that means "manifestation". While the date chosen is arbitrary, the meaning is significant. The Magi were from the East, and although we don't know for certain where they came from, we can be fairly sure that they were Gentiles (not Jewish), traveled a long distance and that they recognized Jesus as a very important king. They recognized that he was the King of the Jews, but they worshiped him and gave him costly gifts even though they were not Jews. You see, even though the Jews had been watching and waiting for the coming Messiah for generations, the prophecy had always been that the Messiah would be for all people, all nations. He is not just the King of the Jews, he is the King of Kings. A Saviour not just for Israel, but for all nations.

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