The Feast of the Epiphany

Many of us confuse wisdom with knowledge. Matthew’s gospel gives us great insight into what it means to be wise and it has nothing to do with the retention of facts. Matthew uses one word to describe the men who came to see the Christ child: wise. So if we too want to be wise, all we must do is look carefully at what these wise men did.

There were five essential qualities that these men possessed.

First, they were awake. They were watching the stars. They were asking themselves, “What is God saying to me?” They listened while everyone else seemed to be asleep. The cosmic event that occurred around the time of Christ’s birth could be seen all over the planet. Only the Wise Men were looking.

Second, the wise men were willing to move. When they saw what was happening in the skies, they packed up and followed the star. Faith is often more about movement than it is about standing still. Wisdom is found in the willingness to get up and move. Remember, Jesus said Follow me, not Stay Where you Are!

When the wise men came near the place where the star was, they demonstrated a third essential quality- they asked for directions. I love reminding my husband of this. He hates to ask for directions! But wisdom is knowing that none of us can find our way alone. We must ask for help.

Fourth, when they arrived, the men did another wise thing- they gave gifts. The truly wise give gifts to God as much as they can. The giver knows that it is in giving that we are truly blessed, truly rich.

And finally, they went home by another way. They were willing to change direction, to change their minds. The truly wise are willing to admit that the way they are going no longer works and change their course.

Thank God for these men, whoever they were. I pray that we will one day learn to be as wise as they were.