Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
(We Three Kings - 1857 song written by John Henry Hopkins Jr.)
Christmas imagery is not complete without the Three Magi. They were following a “star,” which symbolizes a guide that is external to oneself. Once they found the Christ child however, who represents the Divine Light within us, they had an epiphany, instructing them to change course and return home without telling King Herod of the child’s whereabouts.
Like the Magi who were prompted to take a different direction homeward, epiphanies, often result in a change in the direction in the course of our life’s journey. Epiphany is defined as “a sudden realization of truth.” An inspiration dawns deep within the mind, a flash of insight that emerges from the darkness of the subconscious, knowledge revealed from within.
The story of the Magi teaches us to pursue a course of awakening so we can follow our own “inner light” which is the source of wisdom within us. In the context of social justice, this is “the light [that] shines in the darkness” (John 1:5) and which “enlightens every man,” (John 1:9). It is the light that inspires humanity to follow a higher calling and embrace greater equality. And history has shown time and again, that the darkness cannot overcome the light (John 1:5).
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