The traditional end of the Christmas season comes on Epiphany, celebrated this year on Sunday, January 2 instead of Jan 6, the traditional 12th night. Isaiah writes:
In Matthew we read that the Magi followed the light of a star. Darkness in the person of King Herod was gathering strength. Herod, a rich, cruel and powerful man, heard that the Magi had come to do homage to the "newborn King of the Jews." Matthew tell us that "when Herod heard this he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." Herod would send his soldiers out to kill all boys born around the time of Jesus. Joseph was forced to flee through the desert to save his infant son.
As we look around the forces of darkness still gather - on a personal and international level. Yet Herod's palace is in ruins and the infant son is worshipped across the world. Even in the face of darkness we should rise up, knowing that our light has come.
