This year, the Eleventh Day of Christmas falls on Sunday, January 4th. At our church, it’s going to share the day with Epiphany Sunday. Can you imagine it? Those eleven pipers piping as they march down the aisle of the church?
That’s probably not happening.
But we need to pour that kind of excitement into our Epiphany Sunday. Christmas celebrates the day Jesus came to the people of Israel. Epiphany (sometimes called Three Kings Day) celebrates when, in the form of the three wise men (the Magi), the rest of the world joined in. Celebration is key.
Here, from the Matthew passage in the Epiphany scriptures, is what we think we know about those Magi. We learn that some “wise men” (astronomers? scientists?) from somewhere east of Israel observed a light in the sky they had never seen before. They interpreted it to mean a new “King of the Jews” had been born. Somehow, this light—the star—led them westward, in the direction of Israel. They took note of when the star first appeared, packed up some supplies and gifts, and headed west—not knowing their final destination.
They upset King Herod “and all of Jerusalem” when they told why they had come. King Herod called in priests and scholars to tell him and these Magi where this “King of the Jews” was to be born. Prophecy said: Bethlehem. So, the Magi left Jerusalem, following the star until it “stopped” over a house. They went into the house where they presented their gifts to Mary and the baby.
They brought gifts to Christmas.
Now, none of that actually explains what the Magi saw in the night sky, why they believed it heralded the birth of Israel’s new king, or how, exactly, it “led” them westward. We are left with lots and lots of supposition—and little clarity—about those visitors from the East.
Here’s what we can know: God got their attention by placing something unusual where they couldn’t help but see it. God enticed them to leave the comfort of their homes and travel to meet Jesus—and bring gifts fit for a king. God led them to Jesus using that same unusual thing. This is true for us today. God calls us in ways we understand, and then leads us gently to that place of meeting.
For all the uncertainty surrounding those travelers from the east, there is one thing that is perfectly clear in scripture: We are to enjoy ourselves in this Epiphany season. If you haven't picked up on that in your Bible reading, look again. It's there.
That is my wish for you. As we wrap up the twelve days of Christmas and move into the Season of Epiphany, take time to soak up the good stuff. Take a break. Put your feet up. Eat some fruit cake. Drink some wassail. Sing "The 12 Days of Christmas" and giggle when you mess up on the eight whatevers. Spend time with loved ones. Cut everyone (including you) some slack. Snuggle. Play. Hug.
Enjoy.
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PHOTO (The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo):
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Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and whatever you wish people for Epiphany!
We’re taking a break for the holidays. Come and meet with us again on January 9th for DaySpring’s next Lectionary Breakfast. The Epiphany scriptures are included in case you’re celebrating Epiphany on Sunday January 4th instead of on the 6th.
No wise guys (unless you’re bringing gold. We have way too much frankincense and myrrh).
Blessings,
Steve
SCRIPTURES FOR SUNDAY & THE COMING WEEK
Find them here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts/?y=17134&z=c&d=11
Print them here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/Ax_SecondSundayafterChristmas.pdf
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm 147:12-20
Ephesians 1:3-14
John 1:(1-9), 10-18
Second Sunday After Christmas (January 4, 2026)
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SCRIPTURES FOR EPIPHANY
Find them here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts/?y=17134&z=e&d=12
Print them here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/Ax_EpiphanyoftheLord.pdf
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Epiphany of the Lord (January 6, 2026)
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