January 6, 2016

“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “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.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘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.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then 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.”

When 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. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.” Matthew 2:1-12

The Magi appear at the home of Jesus, Mary and Joseph near the beginning of his life, but not at the manger — they come to his home sometime before he turns one year old most likely. So, here at the beginning of our New Year, and the beginning of our efforts to read the bible this year, we have something remarkable – Persian astrologers seeking meaning from a celestial event.

Everyone is at the beginning of a quest – Mary and Joseph will flee with Jesus to Egypt – Herod will begin the quest to kill every male child under the age of two – and the Magi begin the quest for understanding. And you and me, well we are at the beginning of this quest to read the bible every day, or at least more often than we did last year. And among all of the feelings that a New Year brings, hope, opportunity, change, is one that often is forgotten – fear. No one likes change, and a New Year can be a moment where we put a heavy emphasis on change. And that, along with other feelings, can promote an intense feeling of fear.

The festival and the season of Epiphany begins with people on quests, yes, but also people filled with fear – a lot of fear. The Magi leave avoiding Herod, because they are afraid. Why? Most likely they have heard about the ruthlessness of Herod, and they were warned to avoid him. Herod orders children to be killed because he is afraid. Why? Because he has heard there has been born in his territory one who is to become a king – and he does not need a rival. And Mary and Joseph will flee because they are afraid. Why? Because G-d has warned them, and because Herod has a reputation.

Like the New Year has the potential for a heavy emphasis on change, the presence of the Magi represent a specific kind of change – G-d is changing everything through the presence of Jesus – the Messiah. And, with Persians, and Jews, and Shepherds involved in this miraculous birth, it also represents the very real reach of G-d – that no one is outside of G-d’s Grace and plan of salvation.

Pastor Dave