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The celebration of the epiphany of our Lord is a joyous occasion. Each year when I listen to the scripture readings at Mass, I try to learn something new. God always makes sure that I hear something new and that it applies to my current situation. That happened with certainty this morning. The new item for me this year was the visit of the magi. They followed the star that led them to Mary, Joseph and the new born King. The interesting thing to me was that they visited Jesus in a house, not a manger ("They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother."). How then did He get from the manger to the house? A quick search explains that often inns at that time rented the upper room (much like the one Jesus used to meet with his disciples for the last supper) and provided bare essentials. Realizing that Mary was very near childbirth, the innkeeper probably provided a manger or animal trough for the newborn. So does it make a difference if Jesus was born in the barn or inside the house? Not to me. The event that we celebrate is the birth of our Lord and Savior. He was certainly born in a humble setting away from his parent's house. Even then, Jesus was relying on the kindness of strangers. Even then He was providing an opportunity for people to "do for the least." We can assume with very high accuracy that the innkeeper did not know of the majesty of the baby about to born in his house. I wonder if his family knew? Was there someone in the innkeepers family who worked in Herod's palace that had heard of this new king to be born that was causing Herod such concern? Did an angel of God appear to the innkeeper or a member of his family? We do not hear this part of the story. The innkeeper and his family are then similar to you and me. We live by our faith and are strengthened by the promises that Jesus made to us. We are confident that our Father God, who loves us unconditionally, is always protecting us. We can only hope to do the same thing should a similar occasion arise. Would we find room in our house for Jesus? Do we have Jesus in our house now? Is he welcome? Is it a place that He would want to come? The advent of a new year brings new opportunities. Like the magi, we can present Jesus with gifts as well. The gift of knowing Him more deeply, allowing Him to lead us, and presenting our heart and mind to Him replaces the gold, frankincense and myrrh. The epiphany calls for you to be a modern day magi and present yourself to Jesus in thanksgiving for His ultimate gift. Happy new year to you and yours!

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