Epiphany reminds us that God comes not just for the benefit of insiders but so that those who are far off might by grace be brought near. Epiphany reminds us that the light which dawned at Christmas is drawing all people in.

Why is it that after celebrating the birth of our Lord the calendar immediately plunges us into a world of suffering and death?

In 100 years the world will have long forgotten my birth and probably yours too. But for 2000 years and counting the world has been remembering and celebrating the birth of this baby. For 2000 years this baby has been transforming individuals, and communities, and even societies.

Matthew does take care to tell us one important detail about Joseph. Namely, that he was a just, a righteous, man. What does this mean? Simply put, that he lived his life according to Scripture. He was open to God’s word and responded with a simple, prompt, and unspectacular obedience.

The Church believes, based on the Bible and the teaching of the Apostles, that one day, one hour, the risen and living Jesus Christ will come again and that he will do so in glory, to set things right. And so the Christian faith and life is about living in anticipation of this event so that all the world might see and know.