The celebration of the Epiphany highlights a profound revelation: Christ came not only for the Jews but for all people, as shown by the visit of the Magi in Matthew 2:1–12. The Magi—outsiders and strangers from distant lands—were led to the Christ child by a star, representing the universal reach of God’s love. This moment invites us to see beyond the familiar and recognize the presence of Christ in every person, regardless of background or identity.
It is easy to see the face of Christ in the kind stranger, such as the generous grocery store employee who gives you credit for your recently expired coupon. The real challenge comes when we consider the irritating or threatening stranger—the one who doesn’t deserve our kindness. Is it a fellow shopper who gives you a dirty look or recklessly cuts you off in traffic? The “foreigner” who may or may not have a green card? Someone with a different skin color or religion? Perhaps this “stranger” is even a friend or family member who was estranged due to differing political or world views.
What was more important for Christ: rules or relationships?
We are faced with daily opportunities (and challenges) to grow in relational maturity by choosing to recognize Christ in everyone. We are here to help and support one another—even the crabby, irritating strangers who threaten our peace. These difficult encounters can be embraced as training for us to become the best versions of ourselves: the people God created us to be. The best way we can achieve this goal is by setting a good example in our responses and interactions with all strangers.
The Magi were probably not all from the same country, and maybe some had even been enemies. Yet, their journey teaches us that Christ is not restrained by boundaries; He is revealed to all who seek Him. This universal call requires us to look beyond superficial differences and recognize Christ’s image in the faces of those we may not initially understand or appreciate.
To see Christ in strangers is to see with the eyes of compassion, freely offering hospitality and love, just as the Magi did by bringing gifts to the child King. In addition, it is to live out this inclusion, opening ourselves to the radical hospitality that Christ demonstrated. If only we could all take a breath in prayer and seize every opportunity as a gift to share the richness of His grace with others.
As Victor Hugo’s line from Les Misérables so powerfully captures, “To love another person is to see the face of God.” Loving and welcoming the stranger allows us to encounter the divine. Just as the Magi’s journey deepened their faith, seeing Christ in those who are different, unfamiliar, and challenging can transform our own hearts and expand our understanding of God’s love.
