Epiphany srmon for 1/6/26

 

       Epiphany comes from a Greek word that means a manifestation or realization.  The word can also mean to show or to reveal.  As when we have an AHA! moment of clarity or insight.  Everything about the season of Epiphany points you and me to Jesus’ identity.  Jesus is revealed in word and deed as the Son of God Incarnate.

            A close reading reveals that Jesus is about two years old at Epiphany.  You may remember that shortly before this, Herod orders the killing of all baby boys under the age of two (Matthew 2:16 ).  If the Magi left when they saw the star announcing Jesus’ birth, then their journey took about two years from the East to Nazareth, via Jerusalem.

            Even at this young age, Jesus is recognized as being for all people.  This is proclaimed as strangers from afar come to honor Jesus.  We are not sure how many visitors there are.  Usually, we say there are three in keeping with the number of gifts: gold, myrrh, and frankincense.  Tradition even gives them names, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.

The names and the numbers are not what is important.  What matters is that the Wise Ones are NOT a part of God’s Chosen People Israel.  The Magi are Gentiles, and therefore considered outsiders.  Scholars believe they are Zoroastrians, individuals who are trained to see signs in the movements of the stars and the planets. 

            As you and I make our journey through Epiphany, everything will point out  Jesus’ identity.  A loud voice will declare “This is my Son, the Beloved” at Jesus’ Baptism.  John will see Jesus and point two of his own followers to Jesus.  Jesus will gather a group around Him and also preach at the Synagogue in Nazareth, where many will be amazed at Jesus’ words.

            Epiphany is God’s lavish way of saying that everyone gets included. No exceptions.  No exclusions.  There is no insider or outsider with God.  God’s love is for all people, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, politics, or sexual orientation.  No one is an outsider to God.  God’s unearned love reaches out to embrace you and me. 

So, if God’s radical, inclusive love is revealed in Jesus, how are you and I to respond?  The Magi help point out the way for us.  Like the Magi, each of us has God-given gifts to use to honor Jesus.  So, how are you and I to use the gifts we have to honor Jesus and to point others to Him?

Perhaps you like to cook.  Is there a neighbor or a friend that is going through a hard time?  She or he might appreciate a homecooked meal as a way of showing them God’s love.

Maybe you love to read.  Consider putting that love to work in helping others develop better literacy skills.  They will feel better about their own worth and dignity.

Do you have a listening and empathetic heart?  Use that superpower and invite a coworker to have coffee or tea with you.

Your gift does not need to be a grand gesture.  No gift is too big or too small.  What matters most is that, like the Wise Ones, your gift is given from the heart and to the glory of God.

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