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DevotionsProverbs31MinistriesDevotions

Epiphany
Rachel Olsen

January 5, 2007

God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that
Gods generosity can flow through you. 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
The Twelve Days of Christmas the ones we often sing about are counted from December 25th until
January 5th. Epiphany is the climax of the twelve days, falling on the thirteenth day after Christmas. It is
an occasion for feasting in many cultures, with a special Kings cake often baked as part of the Epiphany
festivities.
This Saturday, January 6, is the day of Epiphany. The term epiphany means to show, to make
known, or to reveal. This holiday remembers the wise men, who brought gifts to the young Jesus, and
by so doing, revealed Jesus as King to the world. Their story is told in Matthew 2:1-11:
Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some
wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We
have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him.
Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading
priests and teachers of religious law. Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born? he asked
them.
In Bethlehem, they said, for this is what the prophet wrote: `O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a
lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.
Then Herod sent a private message to the wise men, asking them to come see him. At this meeting he
learned the exact time when they first saw the star. Then he told them, Go to Bethlehem and search
carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him,
too!
After this interview the wise men went their way. Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to
Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the
star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and
they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts
of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (NLT)
These men came to the King, bearing gifts. You and I have gifts to bring to the King of Kings as well.
Ephesians 2:10 reveals that we are each masterpieces of God one-of-a-kind creations complete with
certain gifts and talents. These gifts help us fulfill Gods good plans for our lives. When we use them to
bless others, we bless our King as well.
Do you have the gift of HOSPITALITY? Bake a needy neighbor some cookies, throw a party and invite
others in.
Do you have the gift of TEACHING? Teach a bible study, coach a softball team, volunteer in your local
school system, or offer to tutor a neighborhood child.

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DevotionsProverbs31MinistriesDevotions

Are you blessed with the ability to GIVE graciously? Give not only to your church, but to the poor and to
organizations doing Kingdom work, such as Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Do you have the gift of MERCY? Visit a shut-in, or volunteer at your local crisis pregnancy center, or work
at a battered womens shelter.
Are you good at sewing, baking, penny-pinching, or gardening? Just look around there are others who
could benefit from your expertise!
As we celebrate this day, lets consider how we can bring our gifts as an offering to our King. In so doing,
well allow Gods generosity to flow through us to others just as the apostle Peter encouraged in
todays key verse. Happy Epiphany!
Dear Lord, today I crown you King of my heart. Help me see ways I can use my gifts and talents to bless
You and others. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Additional Resources:
Shaped with Purpose by Renee Swope
Application Steps:
Plan some ways to celebrate the Day of Epiphany. Perhaps bake a Kings Cake and deliver slices to your
friends and neighbors.
Consider how you can use your talents to generously bless others.
Reflection Points:
What talents did God gift you with?
How are you using them?
How can you bless people in your family, at work or in your community with your talents?
Do you need to reorganize your priorities or schedule so that you can better utilize and share your gifts?
Power Verses:
Romans 12:6, God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 12:4, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. (NIV)
Proverbs 25:14, Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. (NIV)
Categories: God's Perspective, Holidays, Serving

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