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Around the 14th century, the magi were said to represent the three known races of the time, European, Asian, and African. Whatever the truth, the wise men were brave, curious and open to God’s inspiration as they studied the Hebrew Scriptures and the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Among these, they found the words of Balaam:   “A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel”  (Numbers 24:17, ) read more and see more art

The Epiphany of the Lord celebrates Christ’s manifestation to the Gentiles,  to us, symbolized by Christ’s manifestation to the Magi or the Wise Men. For me, Epiphany also triggers a longing for more of His presence. An ancient mosaic in Ravenna showing the three wise men The magi were brave, curious and open to God’s inspiration as they studied the Hebrew Scriptures and the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. Among these, they found the words of Balaam:   “A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel”  (Numbers 24:17 ) . They must have been acquainted with the prophecy of Micah: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel”   ( Micah 5:2). continue reading