wise men from the East

Good morning brothers and sisters,

Today we hear the story of the Epiphany, or revelation of Jesus, because today is Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. In the European American community Epiphany isn't usually very important, but in the Latino community it really is. It's common to see parades and celebrations in Latino neighborhoods to celebrate the arrival of the three wise men or three kings. I guess the compelling part of this story is that the birth of the Messiah isn't just important for Jewish people; it's important for the whole world. It's also exciting that these three important men from far away come to a stable in a small town to honor the baby Jesus. It's beautiful too that Matthew tells us the wise men were, "Overwhelmed with joy," when they saw the star come to rest over the stable.


Herod, on the other hand, is not overwhelmed with joy. Early on in this story we get a hint that Jesus is not going to be welcomed by the powerful of the world. After all, Herod is (by virtue of a deal with Rome) King of the Jews. It's no surprise then that the announcement by these strangers of the birth of the king of the Jews would make him afraid. Herod plays it cool, hoping the wise men will find his rival for him, but since they are wise, they listen to their dreams and steer clear of Herod. What new hope is being born for us today? Can we hope that God is bringing about a new peace in Sudan? We can certainly pray with our brothers and sisters at First Pres. Caledonia at 6 pm tonight that the star of God's peace would shine more brightly. And God may be bringing to life a new spark in each of us as well.


God bless,

Sam


Matthew 2:1-12

1In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"


7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.