Comments on: It’s time to join the ceaseless celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany https://mikefrost.net/its-time-to-join-the-ceaseless-celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/ AUTHOR | SPEAKER | MISSIOLOGIST | AGITATOR Sat, 20 Jun 2020 14:44:52 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 By: Keith Joyce https://mikefrost.net/its-time-to-join-the-ceaseless-celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/#comment-15549 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 14:44:52 +0000 https://mikefrost.net/?p=29270#comment-15549 Great approach. One more thing (and it is a little thing, at least at one level). We don’t know how many gifts were brought by the magi. The gifts were made out of three substances: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Hard to imagine, given the largess of eastern generosity, that in opening their ‘treasurer chests’ (or ‘treasurers’) that only three individual gifts came out. After all, these were gifts for a king! The whole picture speaks of many gifts of gold, and many likewise of frankincense and of myrrh. It’s worth upsetting people (as nicely as possible, of course!) as I have done, in order to help people understand that scripture can be re-written’ by sentimentalized seasonal music and crèche scenes. The danger then is that we can miss the larger meaning and power of the passage so affected. Enough. Thanks again for an effective and helpful article.

]]> By: Ada V. https://mikefrost.net/its-time-to-join-the-ceaseless-celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/#comment-13261 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 16:38:18 +0000 https://mikefrost.net/?p=29270#comment-13261 Wonderful article, Mike! I also love how you use art to examine & think deeper about the Bible & Christian elements.
I wonder if you have ever considered branching out to other art – say, poetry.
The only Christian poet I can think of off the top of my head is John Donne, & he’s controversial. Or Song of Solomon’s/ Song of Songs, which I don’t remember hearing a sermon on.
Or books, & not typical Christian ones, but maybe Maedeline L’Engle’s Wrinkle in Time (Series) or her wonderful, Walking on Water.

]]> By: Karen https://mikefrost.net/its-time-to-join-the-ceaseless-celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/#comment-13237 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:59:24 +0000 https://mikefrost.net/?p=29270#comment-13237 Hi Michael,
I don’t know you or your story, but I certainly enjoyed your article on the Epiphany. I found the deeper thoughts about who the”Magi” could have been as well as your discussion of light and dark in Bramer’s painting refreshing and exciting. The fact that God’s saving grace is for everyone regardless of culture, religion, language gender or anything is the best news ever!!!! Your meditation has enriched my celebration of this last week of Christmas and I am challenged to keep seeking to hold up Jesus as the only light for everyone and to pray for the salvation of everyone in my little corner of this vast universe. Thanks so much! Karen

]]> By: Michael Frost https://mikefrost.net/its-time-to-join-the-ceaseless-celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/#comment-13236 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:58:44 +0000 https://mikefrost.net/?p=29270#comment-13236 In reply to Terry Boyd.

Interestingly, Matthew (who records the visit of the magi) begins the gospel with Jesus’ genealogy, which includes five women (if you count Mary), several of whom were Gentiles. So it’s a clear opening theme to the book. As to the timing of the magi’s visit, it is assumed it could have been up to two years after Jesus’ birth given Herod’s decision to slaughter all the male infants under two years old.

]]> By: Terry Boyd https://mikefrost.net/its-time-to-join-the-ceaseless-celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/#comment-13234 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 01:24:42 +0000 https://mikefrost.net/?p=29270#comment-13234 Nice commentary, Mike. I frequently ponder the fact that these guys were astrologers and mystics and I like to think of the ramifications of that fact, including Jesus’ stated intent to speak to all people, whatever their birthplace, culture, belief or superstition.

I would love to explore the likely timing of epiphany, not that it changes the meaning. I’ve heard several ideas extending up to two years after Jesus’ birth. Any thoughts on that?

Cheers

]]> By: Michael Frost https://mikefrost.net/its-time-to-join-the-ceaseless-celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/#comment-13231 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 23:42:03 +0000 https://mikefrost.net/?p=29270#comment-13231 In reply to Val.

Thank you, Val. That is such an encouraging comment.

]]> By: Val https://mikefrost.net/its-time-to-join-the-ceaseless-celebration-of-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/#comment-13228 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 21:04:40 +0000 https://mikefrost.net/?p=29270#comment-13228 I love the way you use art to illustrate your ideas and thoughts, revealing the inner truths that the artist nuances in his/her work. As a once upon a time Conservative Evangelical, it is good to have theologians like you help with finding the words and idea I need to ponder the changes in and direction of my own thinking about faith.

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