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?     (Matthew 3:1-2)

Most of us love a good mystery story, whether in a book or on television. We love the challenge of trying to guess the true cause of the as yet unexplained events. In most good mysteries, we are given small revelations along the way which either confirm our suspicions or twist us into a new direction, holding us in suspense, until the last possible moment when the final piece of the jigsaw clicks into place and everything is made plain. The dictionary defines Epiphany as a moment or experience of revelation or insight into the meaning of something. As we enter the season of Epiphany, the Church begins the annual celebration of episodes in Jesus’ life when he was gradually revealed as the Messiah sent to save the world. Yet these bible stories that reveal Christ’s divine nature also give us more questions than answers. 

Foe example, the visit of the Magi from the East. We may ask: Where exactly did they come from? What was the star they had observed and followed? How did it guide them to the temporary home of a refugee carpenter and his teenage bride? What compelled them to make such a long and probably dangerous journey and to leave their royal gifts for this child? The bible indicates that even Mary herself was not sure what to make of the attention her child was getting but “pondered these events in her heart”. We look back on these events with the wisdom of hindsight, where they were trying to make sense of them as they lived through them, which can be much more difficult.

We may have plans for the coming the year. We may be expecting great changes or a year much the same as the last one. We may float through it on a series of highs or battle through a series of lows. We cannot foresee everything that will happen and some of it will be unexpected. Only when we look back in twelve months’ time will we know what that this year brings. Even then, we may not fully understand why everything happened as it did. Some mysteries are meant to be revealed, and others are meant to be lived with as mysteries. When we look back over 2026, what may be more important than having all the answers to why, is to follow the example of the Magi and the shepherds, simply recognising and giving thanks for how far we have come and what God has carried us though.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen (Luke 2:20)

Revd Eddie