Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

From times past, civilizations were built by deciphering the “code” of the heavenly bodies. Star charts were used for navigation on the high seas. People believe, even today, that the stars can tell us something about events happening here on earth. We say something is “written in the stars” if it is meant to happen, certain even.

While I may not believe in Zodiac signs or other astrological beliefs today, I know that God gave us the stars and the heavenly bodies for a reason. Not only does the sun give us light and warmth in our world, but our ability to observe other stars and planets have filled us with awe and wonder to the workings of our universe.

On this Sunday, we celebrate (a couple days early) the epiphany of our Lord! Epiphany is the day we remember the wise men journeying from the east as they see the star in the heavens which leads them to the stable where baby Jesus is. “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him,” Matthew 2:1-2. These Wise Men are also often called the Magi. They are nobles, possibly even kings from another country who come to pay homage to the one born “king of the Jews”. 

Of course, this isn’t such great news for the one who currently held the throne. Herod heard this message and became jealous for his throne. For this is what happens when Jesus appears in our life too. Epiphany means “to shine forth”, or “reveal”. By Jesus’ presence in the world, the hearts of all the world would be revealed. The faithful versus the unfaithful. The good versus the evil. The righteous versus the sinner. Jesus’ incarnation will bring to light many things in our world, and not all of them are things we want brought to light.

Yet, here’s the interesting thing about this star. It wasn’t like any other. It was clearly different to lead the three wise men to the manger. And as for the Wise Men, while Matthew doesn’t tell us where they’re from, we can easily surmise that the most likely origin was Babylon. The same Babylon in which Daniel was made a leader. The same Babylon with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These were people who had been taught about the prophecies from long ago and still believed in the Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Hence, the Wise Men travel a long way to see the one born King of the Jews because they knew he was more than a king. He was their Savior. With such faith, they gave him precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. With such faith, they returned to tell others about all God had shown to them in the manger!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!