Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-12

Every age, every generation looks for someone either with “common sense” or “wisdom!” Those two virtues, when combined, make for leaders who can show the way forward in uncertain times.

In our scriptures today we are told of “wise men from the East” and “the church” as those who point to the vision Isaiah has of the promise of God fulfilled. Those who were NOT Jews, these wise ones, are prime examples for those who “seek.” All they knew was to LOOK for the promised One of God. They even bring “gift of gold” to help finance the soon to be flight to Egypt so as to avoid the merciless Herod. Much later Paul says the “church” now both Jews and Gentiles from everywhere are to speak and tell of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ.

The point is to get the Word out! In word and deed! The Magi did it their way before the ministry, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus and the church is all about that message after the Resurrection. The hard task in any age is to communicate what has touched us to those who haven’t heard and seen and to those who have heard and seen but continue to grow in the Faith.

It’s a daunting task and we, as the church, do it as “earthen vessels” or as ones who don’t always get it done! It’s an ongoing work with ups and downs since the Herods of the world are many and strong in their own way to stifle the Word of the New King in town! The Herods are often us! “We have met the enemy and it is sometimes US!”

As we celebrate Epiphany Sunday let us not hide our light under a bushel but find ways to light the way for the newborn King! Every Christian is a “star” to help show the way!

Make it so with the help of God!

Pastor Barry