January  2010

“WHAT’S LEFT TO CELEBRATE?”

Read Matthew 2:1-12

January 6^th can rarely be said to have earned the same level of attention that the general public so eagerly devotes to preparing itself for the arrival of that far more familiar date of December 25^th. In fact, even Christians have often been unintentionally negligent by failing to give this date the place of significance to which it is so rightfully entitled on their devotional and worship calendars. What’s the big deal? After all, Christmas is the day that really matters, isn’t it? Once the year ends, our annual celebrations have already been long committed to memory, hasn’t they?  With the arrival of a new year, we solemnly return to those mundane daily routines that await us in our offices, schools and homes. Red and white likenesses of hearts and Cupids already occupy the windows of local merchants, the same storefronts that were illuminated by brilliant holiday displays just a few weeks earlier. Perhaps most sadly, the spirit of good will which typifies our holiday season is now replaced by the infinitely numbing sense of winter isolation that accompanies those cold and dreary days of January. We may find it necessary to ask ourselves, “What’s left to celebrate?” The Festival of Epiphany provides us with good reason to continue in our rejoicing of Christ’s birth well into the New Year. 

Most of us have heard of this occasion that is typically referred to as the “Christmas of the Gentiles”. Epiphany marks that historic occasion in those days following Jesus’ birth when the Magi arrive in Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews. While Luke’s eloquent narrative of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-20) often represents the appointed text for our Christmas day proclamation, the account of the three wise men from the east (Matthew 2:1-12) also claims a permanent place of prominence in our Christmas celebrations. And deservedly so, for it is cause for great joy. When the Magi come to King Herod, they inquire of him, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). The nature of their question itself reveals much about the identity of the Magi. These are obviously Gentiles (just like us!) who are intent upon worshipping Him. They come to present their gifts to the One through whom all nations would be blessed.

Even more importantly, their question also serves to reveal much about the identity of that One whom they have come to visit. This is the One of whom the Old Testament prophets had foretold. He is indeed the One whom God had spoken of to the patriarchs (Genesis 26:4). He is the righteous branch of David (Jeremiah 23:5). He is the Immanuel born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). He is the ruler of Israel, who comes forth from the little town known as Bethlehem Ephrathah (Micah 5:2). He is the offspring of a woman, who comes to crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). He is the promised and long-awaited Messiah. He is the deliverer of all mankind. He is Jesus Christ, our beloved Lord and Savior, and it is here that His Deity is disclosed to us. The arrival of Epiphany marks His manifestation.

If this doesn’t give you sufficient cause for ongoing celebration on January 6^th, consider this. Epiphany recalls not only our Lord’s baptism, but also marks the first of His miraculous signs among the people at Cana, when He changed the water into wine for the benefit of those wedding guests in attendance. “He thus revealed his glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him” (John 2:11b). Just as God’s miraculous actions had repeatedly delivered Israel from the hand of their oppressors, the miraculous sign at Cana demonstrated that the Kingdom of God had now arrived in the Person of Christ in order to deliver all of mankind from its bondage to sin 

The Glory of God was witnessed by the Magi when they traveled to Bethlehem to present Him with their gifts. We travel to Immanuel Lutheran Augsburg Church where His gifts await us. That same Glory now comes to us through the preaching of the cross.  The Glory of God was witnessed by the crowds when Jesus descended into the waters of the Jordan River. We witness that very same Glory today in the life-giving waters of Holy Baptism. The Glory of God was witnessed by the disciples in Cana when the water became wine. It was there they first put their faith in Him. We put our faith in Him when we gather at His table and receive the present and eternal benefits of His Body and Blood. Then and now, these events of the Epiphany signify that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).  Thanks be to God! Let the celebration continue!

~A Blessed New Year to All of God’s People~

Pastor Bruce