Adorabunt eum omnes reges terræ: omnes gentes servient ei.”
💫 A Light Has Risen in the Darkness: A Reflection for January 9th
Isaiah 60:1–6 • Matthew 2:1–12
As the Church lingers in the glow of the Epiphany, January 9th, falling within its octave, invites us to contemplate further the mystery of Christ’s manifestation to the Gentiles. The readings appointed—Isaiah 60:1–6 and Matthew 2:1–12—are rich with imagery of light and pilgrimage, glory and homage. We find ourselves again at Bethlehem’s door, contemplating the infant King through the eyes of wise men who came from the East.
🕯️ “Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy light is come…” (Isaiah 60:1)
Isaiah’s prophecy reverberates with the cry of a new dawn: “Arise!” The darkness which had covered the nations is now dispelled by the appearing of the Lord’s glory. St. Jerome, in his commentary on Isaiah, interprets this radiant call not as mere poetic flourish but as the actual event of the Incarnation: “Christ is the light of the Father, the light of the world; in Him Jerusalem is illumined.” The lux tua—“thy light”—is none other than Christ Himself.
The Fathers often connected this prophecy directly to the coming of the Magi. “The Gentiles shall walk in thy light…” (Isa 60:3). Here is a veiled foretelling of the nations streaming to the newborn Messiah—not with swords or conquests, but bearing gifts and homage.
St. Leo the Great, in his sermon for the Epiphany, writes:
“The wise men, who followed the leading of a new star, were the first-fruits of the Gentiles, and they offered not only their treasures but also themselves, in a mystic adoration.” (Sermon 36, On the Epiphany)
👑 “And falling down, they adored Him.” (Matt 2:11)
St. Matthew’s Gospel recounts the journey and adoration of the Magi with quiet majesty. Led not by earthly maps, but by heavenly guidance, they travel far, seeking truth incarnate. St. John Chrysostom marvels at their perseverance:
“They had seen but a star, and they set out for a foreign land. They did not shrink from the length of the journey. They were not offended at having to inquire of Herod, nor at being sent to a poor cottage. See how great is the power of truth: it drew them from the ends of the earth.” (Homilies on Matthew, Hom. 7)
The Epiphany is not merely about a star in the sky—it is about the interior light of faith that draws souls to Christ. The star guides them, yes—but they follow in freedom and longing. They arrive not at a palace, but a humble dwelling, and yet they are not scandalized. They prostrate themselves before a child.
As the Venerable Bede teaches, their gifts symbolize the identity of the One they adore:
“Gold, as to a king; frankincense, as to God; and myrrh, as to one who is to die.” (Homilies on the Gospels, I, 10)
The Magi are, then, theologians by act. They worship rightly, in spirit and truth, before Him who is King, God, and Sacrifice.
🌍 From the East to the West: The Church’s Vocation
The Church, in her liturgy, recognizes the coming of the Magi as the great turning point in salvation history: the nations are no longer in shadow. The “Gentiles shall come to Thy light” (Isa 60:3), and the Church—Ecclesia ex gentibus—is born in this adoration. The Collect of the Epiphany octave captures this:
“O God, who by the leading of a star didst on this day manifest Thine Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith may be brought to the contemplation of Thy glorious majesty.”
In these days following Epiphany, we are urged to imitate the Magi—not merely in reverent adoration, but in the very pattern of their journey:
- They seek the truth,
- They endure trials,
- They are docile to divine light,
- They offer what is most precious,
- They worship in humility.
Let us not forget the final line of the Gospel: “Being warned in a dream… they returned to their country by another way.” (Matt 2:12). An old path is forsaken. One does not encounter Christ and remain unchanged. The Magi’s journey becomes a figure of conversion. St. Gregory the Great remarks:
“Having seen the Truth, they did not return to Herod, who represents the devil. Once we have found Christ, we must turn away from the path of sin and walk in newness of life.” (Hom. 10 in Evangelia)
🕊️ Closing Thought: The Star Still Shines
Dear soul, the Church does not let the Epiphany pass quickly. For eight days she lingers in its light, that we too might rise and be illumined. The Magi adored, and we are invited to join them. The star still shines in the Tradition of the Church, in her sacraments, her saints, and her sacred worship. It beckons us to Bethlehem, to the silence of the crib, and to the glory of God made man.
On this Die Nona Januarii, may we also offer our gold of charity, our incense of prayer, and our myrrh of penance. And may we, led by grace, return home “by another way.”
✚ Suggested Spiritual Exercise:
Spend a few quiet minutes today in front of a Nativity scene or image of the Epiphany. Offer to the Christ Child one concrete sacrifice: your time, a hidden sorrow, or an act of charity. Say with the Magi: “We have come to adore Him.”