Descendants Of The Gentiles

Feast of The Epiphany; Matthew 2:1-12

The three Magi appear on Epiphany because this holiday specifically commemorates the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by their journey following the star to find the newborn Jesus; the word "Epiphany" itself means "manifestation" or "revelation" in Greek.

It is right and just that we commemorate the inclusion of the Gentiles in the story of Christian revelation. After all, I am a Gentile, and I sure want to be included. The history of the world would have been entirely different had Jesus only came for the Jewish people. The apostles and disciples would have gone out and converted the world to Judaism. So, either I would be Jewish myself, or…well, I have no idea what my faith life would be.

But that is not what God had in mind. The Jewish people continue in their practices worshiping the one God and the descendants of the Gentiles have, for better or worse, have created a world called Christian.

My identity is completely wrapped up in being a Christian – a follower of Christ. My prayers and how I pray are based on the Gospels. My entire moral code is a work in progress to follow the teachings of Jesus. I am going to go out on a limb and say there is nothing about our current world that would not be totally different, if the Gentiles of old were not included in God’s plan to raise up the world from darkness.

The process of the last 2000 years has been a process of revelation. The early church made a number of choices that provided a direction for the world. In that process, God’s love was revealed to the world in a way that society could understand. As our understanding has grown and evolved over these millennia, God’s wisdom and love continues to be revealed to humankind in new and wonderful ways.

I am constantly being called, nudged, and prodded to open my mind and heart to the width and breadth of God’s love. (There were those few occasions when my guardian angel had to use a baseball bat upside my head to get my attention.) As I look back on the faith journey that is my life, I see the never-ending presence of God’s hand guiding me, forgiving me, and loving me into the person I am today. I still have a long way to go but I want to get there and experience the full revelation of God.

Each day has the potential to be a Feast of an Epiphany for me. The Holy Spirit has laid out innumerable opportunities for me to witness the love and mercy of God in my life and in my world. I know I am called to be the hands and feet of God and to share that love and mercy with everyone I encounter. The world needs revelation too.

Every Day.

© 2025 by Timothy J. Doppel

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