January 6, this Saturday, is Epiphany: the day Christians around the globe celebrate the coming of the Magi from faraway lands, to give gifts to the Christ child in Bethlehem.

It occurs to me that those Magi were the ultimate outsiders. To begin with, they were not Jews but Gentiles, coming from Egypt or the Far East. But they also were outsiders in their own societies, as well, since scholars think they were either early doctors (who handled corpses for their research), or astrologers, both considered taboo by their reputable neighbors.

These fabled visitors were also stewards – stewards of the light that moved before them in the sky. They did not create the light or even bring it, but instead sought to follow it. They also explained its meaning to others by their very presence, by the story they told, and by what they did throughout their journey to and from that poor stable.

And God had given them gifts, which they used for God’s incredible, history-making purpose:

• Openness to learning, and to God’s surprising presence;
• The ability to see life and perceive in a different way;
• The star, which they allowed to guide them to Christ; and
• A willingness to risk everything in their lives in order to recognize and honor this unlikely babe as the true Son of God.

When Jesus grew up, he said, “I am the Light of the world.” May you and I be stewards of his Light: learning, seeing, risking, and following, all to bring honor to Jesus Christ!

Your partner in ministry,

Betsy Schwarzentraub

See also: Epiphany