Advent allows us to anticipate Christ’s birth. Christmas Day has arrived and we are now in the midst of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Soon this part of the liturgical calendar will climax when most Christians will celebrate Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany looks ahead to the mission of the church to the world in light of the Nativity.The five pointed star is symbolic of the Epiphany, or the manifested nature of God. Matthew 2:1-12 records that the wise men came from the east and asked, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” The five pointed star is the star “out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17) and Jesus Christ, “the bright morning star” (Rev. 22:16) who manifested himself to the Gentiles. The five pointed star usually accompanies scenes of the nativity.
While celebrating Epiphany you may cut out paper stars and place them in the windows of your home. Alternatively you might gather with your congregation for scripture, song, and fellowship as your Christmas trees provide light in a bonfire. Regardless of how you celebrate, Epiphany is about letting God’s light and love shine through us and recognizing that light in others. Shine on!
*artwork: Nativity-3 by Kim Jae Im, Korea
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