The Epiphany story, if not mythical, is certainly mysterious. It is recorded briefly in only one Gospel and never again mentioned as such in New Testament writings. But the lovely tale of Bethlehem’s Star, of adoring wise men, of fabulous gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, strange as it all may be, is surely cherished Christian folklore indeed. It has been told and retold through all the ages as Christians have celebrated our Lord’s Nativity. We decorate homes, hearths, altars, and Yule trees with the Star. It inspires our hymnody and is acted out in our pagentry. Ranking second only to Calvary’s Cross, the Epiphany Star remains central in Christian symbolism.

More than all this, however, the Epiphany is the core meaning of our Christian mission. That "shining forth" (the literal tra…