Scripture Readings:
Please pray with me. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen
Today’s Gospel lesson is one in which we are all familiar. It is the story of the Maji who come to Bethlehem to pay homage to the Christ Child. The star- the light from heaven, guided these foreign travelers onward until it stopped over the place where the child would be found, in the city of Bethlehem, in Judea, the birthplace of David, and now, the birthplace of Jesus.
Traditions says the Maji were scholars from Parthia, near Babylon. They were astrologers who studied the movement of the celestial bodies. But their interests went beyond the stars. They studied many writings from different cultures. When the Babylonian Empire had captured the Kingdom of Judah, in the land of Israel, the people brought with them into captivity their faith and their sacred writings. Many Diasporas Jews, those who had been dispersed because of the Babylonian exile, for generations, continued to live outside of Israel. They practiced their faith, passing it down through the generations. The Maji, who were learned scholars of the East studied their Hebrew writings. They studied the writing that we know as the Old Testament. From Numbers 24:17 they learned of the star that would be a sign: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near—a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” [1] They learned where the child who was to be born from the prophet Micah: “But you, O Bethlehem, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” [2] And unlike many Jews, who had no knowledge of astrology, the Maji became aware that the time was at hand for the birth of the promised Hebrew Messiah. The unusual astronomical event of the rising star that was brighter than anything they had seen before, was seen as an astrological sign. They set forth to find the promised Messiah of Jewish prophesy whose birth star had appeared in the heavens. For its glory was so great, that it could only be a sign of One of greatness who would be of royal lineage, the One whom the Hebrew God had promised Israel, the long-awaited Messiah, the King of the Jews.
But perhaps, their journey was inspired by more than just this star. Perhaps having read the sacred Words of Scripture, the Holy Spirit touched their hearts, moving them to seek the Christ Child.
Could this be “an account of God’s gracious revelation of sacred truth given to pagan[s],” [3] rather than to the Jewish people who were so focused on living in accordance with the law.
Could this be more than “an endorsement of astrological lore” [4] through which these wise men come to find the Christ Child? For we know that God uses means beyond our comprehension to accomplish His will.
In today’s Gospel lesson, we see that these Maji are intentionally looking for Jesus. We must ask ourselves, are we intentionally looking for Jesus in our own lives? Are we willing to seek his truth and live according to his teachings in all parts of our lives? Or do we resist, and try to hold onto our control of things, rather than surrendering our lives to God, unconditionally.
Just like the Maji, the journey to finding Christ can be a long and difficult one. It requires perseverance and intension, even when clouds roll in, seemingly blocking the light. But like the Maji, we will find that our journey towards Christian Perfection, to becoming more like Jesus Christ will be worth it. For it is only in Jesus that we have hope, and the promise of eternal life.
And let us also note, that this Epiphany event was an invitation to seek the Lord. It is a foreshadowing that God intended the Good News of Jesus Christ to be shared will all people of every nation. For Jesus Christ, God incarnate, came to restore all people into right relationship with God Almighty, and to renew all of creation.
The star certainly captured the attention of these wise man, and despite their pagan traditions, a seed was planted through the prophetic Word, and they were led to the truth. God blessed them with the gift of overwhelming joy in finding the child foretold by the prophets. The Holy Spirit whispered words of wisdom in their dreams to not return to Herod, thus leading them by another road to return to their own country. And God does not reserve dreams and visions for only the prophets of old; but speaks to all who truly seek Him, be it in dreams, or visions, in the whispers of the Spirit, or through the text written which is the Word of God.
When we pay attention, God gives us wisdom, and sheds light upon the truth. Though there is no further mention in the Bible of these foreign visitors, one can’t help but think about how this encounter with the Christ Child changed their lives. In finding the fulfilment of the Messianic promise in the birth of Jesus Christ, would they have not turned from their pagan ways to the One true God?
Would they have not returned to their own country and shared the Good News that they had found the long-awaited Hebrew Messiah, the King of the Jews. And it should be noted that they are the first to call Jesus the “king of the Jews” a title that we will once again hear in the passion narrative.[5]
Jesus is called “the King of the Jews” only twice: first as an infant child, and then as an adult at his trial and crucifixion.
As Jesus hung upon that cross at Calvary; posted over his head was an inscription written in three languages, Hebrew, Latin and Greek, common languages spoken throughout the Roman Empire.
It read “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” [6] Yet, it was only non-Jews who used this specific title to describe Jesus. For the Jewish people still are waiting for their Messiah and do not recognize that Christ is King.
As Christians, we believe that Christ is King and he will come again, not as an infant child, but as the King of Glory. Are you ready? Is your heart ready to receive our King? I wonder if we will be blinded to the signs that foretell his second coming, as were the Jewish people? Or will we have the wisdom of the Maji, to see the unfolding signs before us? Through we know not the time or day of his second coming, we know that Christ is the fulfilment of the Scriptures, and all that is written will be fulfilled.
May we find God’s truth and prepare our hearts for his return.
May the Prince of Peace who brings light into this world bring us hope and joy in this New Year.
May we recognize that God is at work in this world still today, creating a new world that is emerging before our eyes that looks more like what God intends for all of creation. And even when dark clouds try to hide the light, the light is always shining. Christ’s love is always with us. For Jesus loves you and nothing can change that. May God bless you and keep you in this New Year and always. Amen.
[1] Numbers 24:17, NRSV
[2] Micah 5:2, NRSV
[3] M. A. Powell, HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. Vol. 3rd ed. (New York: HarperOne, 2011), 587-588.
[4] Ibid., 587-588.
[5] M. A. Powell, HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. Vol. 3rd ed. (New York: HarperOne, 2011), 587
[6] John 19:19-20, NRSV
Works Cited:
Powell, M. A. HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. Vol. 3rd ed. New York: HarperOne, 2011.
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