Today we celebrate the Epiphany. Twelve days after the birth of Jesus. This is the third week that we have surrounded ourselves with narratives concerning the first month of Jesus’ life. Today’s story concerns the coming of the Magi, the ‘Wise men’ or Sages who saw a star and left home and hearth to follow a dream. We’ve been told all our lives that these were Gentile astrologers, and I’ve preached that in the past, but that is not the understanding given in my new study Bible.
It is the Jewish Study Bible, a Bible written by Jews for Jews, Messianic Jews - those who believe in and follow Yeshua Messiah, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior. Many of the leaders of the Jewish leaders had been carried off to exile in Babylon around 600 BCE when Judah and the first temple fell to Nebuchadnezzar.
Many years later (60-80), after the Persians had conquered the Babylonians, King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return home, but not all of them did. Probably close to half remained in Babylon where they had become established with homes and jobs and families. They were still Jews and they studied the Torah and worshiped Yahwah, the God of the Jews. So according to my new Bible, these sages were members of the Jewish community established and led originally by Daniel in Babylon.
We celebrate the coming of these sages or Magi 12 days after the birth of Jesus. We don’t know exactly when they came, but our scripture today says, “after Jesus was born...” After, not when. Tradition says it was 12 days later, but from scripture we know that it might have been as much as 2 years after his birth. After all, it takes time to see the star, search and interpret scripture, prepare for a journey and then travel.
Many of you will remember that on Christmas Eve, I talked about the Son of God lying in a manger and those who heard and who cared enough to go out of their way to see this child. These Magi saw the star and went out of their way to see this thing that the Lord had prepared. 500 miles out of their way - by donkey, or horse back, or camel, it doesn’t say. It is estimated that it would have taken them any where from 25 to 50 days to travel one way. They had to prepare and take their own supplies, there were very few inns or restaurants on this trip. This was not a small undertaking.
The important thing is that they saw this star and said “yes” to this journey. Too many of us might consider this to be a fool’s journey. Well, today’s gospel lesson is a prime example. Here we have a number of people – the gospel doesn’t tell us how many – tradition says 3, because there were three gifts. Anyway, the Magi are people maybe Jewish, maybe not, who have seen a sign in the sky, who go out of their way to discover what that means.
But these wise men, sort of like university professors of today – single focused – continued on their journey until they came to the Christ child in a house (not a manger) and knelt down before him. They also brought him gifts – gold and frankincense and myrrh – gifts for a king. According to tradition the gifts had special significance – gold represented his deity and purity; frankincense represented the fragrance of his life, and myrrh represented his sacrifice and death.
But the most important part of today’s lesson is the light – the Magi followed the light and we live in that light. St. John tells us, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” The Magi followed that light and Herod tried to snuff it out, but it wouldn’t snuff.
Our first lesson today says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” Jesus had come into the world. And Jesus has come into our world, too. And the question is, what are we going to do about it? These Magi said ‘yes’ to God, to following the star. How can we as individual, and as a church, say ‘yes’ to God?
There is a study in improv where one person throws out an idea. The next person must say, “yes” and add to that idea. And this continues around the room with each person saying ‘yes, and...’ We can do that same thing here in church. When someone comes up with a new idea, instead of shooting it down or listing reasons why not, say, ‘yes’ and think of ways you can help or expand on the idea. One woman said when her church decided to have a health fair, she immediately thought, I’m not a doctor or nurse, how can I possibly help? Then she remembered to say, “yes, and...” and she found ways she could be involved and help to make it a success.
Grace needs new ideas on how to expand our fellowship with one another to help us become a solid community in Christ. and to work together to reach out to others. Several new ideas have been put forth that I believe are worth pursuing. I would like to see Grace church begin to develop a closer community life through fellowship and working together on projects beyond the Fish Fry and the Pumpkin Patch. What can each of us do to further a closer bond that brings people in and furthers the life of the parish? As ideas are put forth, follow the example of the Magi by saying, “Yes, and ...” And find ways to help, expand or promote to begin to make Grace Church a thriving community of Christ’s love once again. In 2018, as we call a new rector, prepare a place that is welcoming and alive.
Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment