February

We are now in the Epiphany season, which this year will last longer than Lent (six weeks) or Easter (seven weeks) Epiphany is either long (up to nine weeks) or short (as little as four weeks) depending when Easter falls. The church calendar recognizes the season of Epiphany from January 6 until the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday, which is celebrated as the Transfiguration of our Lord.  In the season of Epiphany Jesus shows, reveals, manifests His glory through His words and actions. By His words, He reveals a message of hope and salvation. By His deeds, He shows His compassion and love.

The gospel stories of this season describe various events that manifest the divinity of Jesus. The coming of the Magi is celebrated on the Epiphany. The Baptism of our Lord is observed on the Sunday after Epiphany. The gospels for the other Sundays of the Epiphany season describe the wedding at Cana, the calling of the disciples, and various miracles and teachings of Jesus. The Last Sunday after the Epiphany is always devoted to the Transfiguration. Jesus' identity as the Son of God is dramatically revealed in the Transfiguration gospel, as well as the gospel of the baptism of Christ.

Observing Jesus’ works and words call us to respond in faith, which says, “You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Upon receiving this gift of faith we now respond in that same saving faith by sharing with others the hope that we have in Christ. Faith receives and then distributes. Do not keep this message to yourself. Share it with others. Let them in. Invite them. Tell everyone what He has done.

 Image of Luther’s Seal © Higher Things

Epiphany

Epiphany

06 January 2019 –

Matthew 2:1-12

“Before & After”

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;

What is man’s condition before and after Christ? Consider the Magi. Their lives were changed. What has happened to you? Before and after you have considered this baby. Born for us. For those touched by Christ, like the Magi, there is a before and an after.

I.        Before…

A.     Before they came to Bethlehem. “They went their way” (Vs. 9) Why are they called “wise”? They were more than men who studied the stars. History has called them wise because they made a quest for God.

Today men are wise if they seek God in Christ. The foolish ones of this world seek other things — power, prestige, possessions.

B.     Before we are confronted with Christ we too can be tempted to go our own way in life following our own agendas, plans and directions. We find ourselves in a New Year. What would you determine to do this year in 2019? Is Christ a part of your future? Wise Men follow guidance. They saw a result of humble acceptance of guidance; they reached the Christ-child. Moreover, Wise Men then and now worship the King.

Transition: There was life before these Wise Men confronted Christ? – There was life after they met Him.

II.     After

A.     The Magi came to the child Jesus, worshiped, and gave gifts. We can see two kinds of worship. The one is a false worship based upon insincerity. Herod told the Wise Men to seek after the child, “that I too may come and worship him” (v. 8).

Out of fear for his position, Herod wanted to know where the new King was born. Today worship can be a guise for evil intentions. Or at least, we can become so easily distracted. CS Lewis remarks “all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise.” Yet, what is the object of our praise? 

He continues, “The world rings with praise—lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favorite game—praise of weather, wines, dishes, actors, motors, horses, colleges, countries, historical personages, children, flowers, mountains, rare stamps, rare beetles, even sometimes politicians or scholars.”[1]  In this New Year, may our focus be upon Christ. As the apostle Paul would remind us, “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:2

B.     On the other hand, there is true worship practiced by the Wise Men: “They fell down and worshiped Him.” Even these gifts, which they offer says something concerning your Savior. These gifts were meaningful, full of symbolism: Gold because He was a king. With gold they confess His royalty. Frankincense - because He was a priest offering the perfume of prayer. With incense they proclaim His deity.  With myrrh, His priestly sacrifice. Myrrh - because He was a redeemer. Who died to save the world. He alone will go to the bloody cross. There - He will suffer and die for you. In exchange for your sin He offers His perfection. His beauty replaces the ugliness of your sin. His innocence replaces your guiltiness and culpability.

Mark the prophecy – “By His stripes you are healed.” –Isaiah 53:5 “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:23-24

Transition: The Wise Men’s lives were changed from before to after they had met the Christ child. How does this confrontation play out in your life today?

3.     For you today.

A.      When you bow down in worship before Christ, life is never the same again. No, the same challenges, failings and frustrations of the past year might still be yours today. But you have a connection with a Savior who has borne your iniquities and carried your sorrows. You need not strive with Him. His desire is to carry you – and accompany you along this life’s journey. Will you walk with Him this season?  

B.      Christ makes the difference in your life. These men had their lives changed. – They had encountered the Christ. – This is what made them wise. – They were humbled in the presence of Christ. And offered to Him their treasures gifts and praise.

Just what is the difference in your life? At Christmas we receive the gift of God in Jesus. Epiphany is the time for believers to give a return gift to God by presenting gifts to Christ, as the Wise Men did. It is noteworthy that the Wise Men gave their gifts as a part of their worship.

Giving something to God when we worship is a vital part of worship. It is an expression of faith and love. It is an offering of gifts to God in gratitude for the gifts we receive in faith.

Note the price of the gifts the Wise Men offered — nothing cheap: “Opening their treasures they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (v. 11). What can you offer to the One who has everything? You offer yourself.

On mine heart imprint Your image

Blessed Jesus, King of grace,

That life’s riches, cares, and pleasures

Never may Your work erase;

Let the clear inscription be;

Jesus, crucified for me,

Is my life, my hope’s foundation,

And my glory and salvation.[2]

____________

Words-985

Passive Sentences-2%

Readability –78.5%

Reading Level-4.2

Image “The Visit of the Magi” © WELS by Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Baron Julius, 1794-1872; German painter; trained principally at Vienna and Rome; earlier work shows influence of Duerer; later joined the classicists; became associated with Cornelius, Overbeck, Schadow, and Veit; later work in style of Renaissance; distinguished especially for his "Bible in Pictures," fill of creative power.

---

[1]  Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, 94.

[2] On my heart insert Thy image Lutheran Service Book ©2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis 

Epiphany Series C

Epiphany
6 January 2019
Matthew 2:1-12

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 Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 

Isaiah 60:1–6

Ephesians 3:1–12

Matthew 2:1–12

The Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son

The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a “Thirteenth Day” of Christmas; yet, it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. While Christmas has focused on the incarnation of our Lord — that is, on God becoming flesh — the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. The Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Isaiah 60:1–2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth — not only to the Jews but also to Gentiles (Ephesians 3:8–10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matthew 2:5–11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word to find and worship Him within His Church (Isaiah 60:3–6). With gold they confess His royalty; with incense, His deity; and with myrrh, His priestly sacrifice (Matthew 2:11).

Matthew 2:1

Τοῦ δὲ Ἰησοῦ γεννηθέντος ἐν Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἐν ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως, ἰδοὺ μάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν παρεγένοντο εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from the east came to Jerusalem,

Matthew 2:2 

λέγοντες• Ποῦ ἐστιν ὁ τεχθεὶς βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων; εἴδομεν γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ καὶ ἤλθομεν προσκυνῆσαι αὐτῷ.

saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.” 

Matthew 2:3

ἀκούσας δὲ [a]ὁ βασιλεὺς Ἡρῴδης ἐταράχθη καὶ πᾶσα Ἱεροσόλυμα μετ’ αὐτοῦ,

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 

Matthew 2:4

καὶ συναγαγὼν πάντας τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ γραμματεῖς τοῦ λαοῦ ἐπυνθάνετο παρ’ αὐτῶν ποῦ ὁ χριστὸς γεννᾶται.

and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 

Matthew 2:5

οἱ δὲ εἶπαν αὐτῷ• Ἐν Βηθλέεμ τῆς Ἰουδαίας• οὕτως γὰρ γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου• 

They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

Matthew 2:6

Καὶ σύ, Βηθλέεμ γῆ Ἰούδα, οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν Ἰούδα• ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἐξελεύσεται ἡγούμενος, ὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν Ἰσραήλ.

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Matthew 2:7

Τότε Ἡρῴδης λάθρᾳ καλέσας τοὺς μάγους ἠκρίβωσεν παρ’ αὐτῶν τὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος,

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 

Matthew 2:8

καὶ πέμψας αὐτοὺς εἰς Βηθλέεμ εἶπεν• Πορευθέντες [b]ἐξετάσατε ἀκριβῶς περὶ τοῦ παιδίου• ἐπὰν δὲ εὕρητε, ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι, ὅπως κἀγὼ ἐλθὼν προσκυνήσω αὐτῷ.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 

Matthew 2:9

οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες τοῦ βασιλέως ἐπορεύθησαν, καὶ ἰδοὺ ὁ ἀστὴρ ὃν εἶδον ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ προῆγεν αὐτούς, ἕως ἐλθὼν [c]ἐστάθη ἐπάνω οὗ ἦν τὸ παιδίον.

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 

Matthew 2:10

ἰδόντες δὲ τὸν ἀστέρα ἐχάρησαν χαρὰν μεγάλην σφόδρα.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  

Matthew 2:11 

καὶ ἐλθόντες εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν εἶδον τὸ παιδίον μετὰ Μαρίας τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ πεσόντες προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἀνοίξαντες τοὺς θησαυροὺς αὐτῶν προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ δῶρα, χρυσὸν καὶ λίβανον καὶ σμύρναν.

 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  

Matthew 2:12

καὶ χρηματισθέντες κατ’ ὄναρ μὴ ἀνακάμψαι πρὸς Ἡρῴδην δι’ ἄλλης ὁδοῦ ἀνεχώρησαν εἰς τὴν χώραν αὐτῶν.

And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Image Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts “The Visit of the Magi” © WELS For personal or congregational use

LCMS lectionary summary series © 2016 

Time in the Word - Epiphany

Preparation for the coming week 

The Epiphany of our Lord

Time in the Word

Christ is for all People 

A Study for Epiphany

December 31, 2018 – January 5, 2019

Collect for the First Sunday after Christmas – O God, our Maker and Redeemer. You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son, yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. 

Collect for the Name of Jesus (January 1) – Lord God, You made Your beloved Son, our Savior, subject to the Law and caused Him to shed His blood on our behalf. Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit that our hearts may be made pure from all sin; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Epiphany – 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.

For divine guidance as we begin a New Year – Almighty and ever-living god, You make us both to will and to do those things that are good and acceptable in Your sight. Let Your fatherly hand ever guide us and Your Holy Spirit ever be with us to direct us in the knowledge and obedience of Your Word that we may obtain everlasting life.

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation.

Monday, December 31, 2018 – Psalm 72 - The Antiphon for this coming week’s Introit comes from verse 1, Endow the king with your justice O God, the royal son with your righteousness. We’ve seen this royal Psalm before.  It is a good way to close off the year 2012. Solomon had asked for wisdom as he began his reign. (See 1 Kings 3:9,11-12; Proverbs 16:12) As we review this past year and anticipate a new on,e may we ask the King of Kings to guide us with such wisdom.  

Tuesday, January 1, 2019 –Isaiah 60:1-6- The Old Testament lesson tells us that nations come to the light of God’s servant. The light of God’s glory has appeared. As a result, nations come to the light of God’s servant. Light must first be scattered before there can be a gathering of people to Christ. According to verses 1 and 2, the light of God must be scattered into the world as the light is reflected in us.  How is this done? It involves evangelism and missions. The nations will come to the light, to God. They will bring honor, gifts, and praise to God. We cannot expect people or nations to become Christian until the light of Christ is cast abroad to the world through Christians.     

Wednesday, January 2, 2019 – Ephesians 3:1-12 - In our Epistle lesson we are told that Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation. The gospel is for all – including Gentiles. Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation. Can the church be exclusive? If it is the will of God to include all people, the church must fulfill that will.              

Thursday, January 3, 2019 –Matthew 2:1-12 – In the Gospel lesson the Gentile world worships the Christ. We are told of the visit of the Wise Men. They were wise because they made a quest for God. Today men are wise if they seek God in Christ. The foolish seek other gods – power, prestige, possessions. Wise Men then and now worship this King.   

Friday, January 4, 2019 – Psalm 72 – The Psalm appointed for this coming Sunday is also placed in the Introit. This Psalm is more about Solomon – it rightly speaks of Christ. Review verses 8-14. The extent of his domain as the result of His righteous rule is fitting of our Lord and Savior. As we begin a New Year in Jesus’ Name, may we see that he will bless everything begun, continued and ended in Him if it is to accomplish anything.

Saturday, January 5, 2019 – Revelation 22:16 – This verse is the inspiration for the hymn, “How Lovely Shines the Morning Star.” It is from the last chapter of the Savior’s revelation to St. John. In fact, they are some of the last words He will speak in Scripture. Jesus is the Root and Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.  He is the One of whom we offer our worship and praise. He is the Hope for the nations, our only Savior. Tomorrow, Epiphany Day is a reminder that Christ came for all people for the Jew but also for the Gentile. Rejoice in the Father’s greatest gift. Rejoice in this salvation. 

Sources: 

LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONARY PREACHING WORKBOOK A – John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Illustration from a woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden (The Book of Books in Pictures). © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use. 

Epiphany

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. 

Source:

Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis 

Epiphany

O God, by the leading of a star You once made known to all nations Your only-begotten Son; now lead us, who know You by faith, to know in heaven the fullness of Your divine goodness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Woodcuts by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld © WELS

Time in the Word - Epiphany

Preparation for the coming week

The Epiphany of our Lord

Collect for the First Sunday after Christmas – O God, our Maker and Redeemer. You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son, yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Collect for the Name of Jesus (January 1) Lord God, You made Your beloved Son, our Savior, subject to the Law and caused Him to shed His blood on our behalf. Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit that our hearts may be made pure from all sin; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Epiphany – 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.

For divine guidance as we begin a New Year – Almighty and ever-living god, You make us both to will and to do those things that are good and acceptable in Your sight. Let Your fatherly hand ever guide us and Your Holy Spirit ever be with us to direct us in the knowledge and obedience of Your Word that we may obtain everlasting life.

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation.

Monday, December 31, 2012 – Psalm 72 - The Antiphon for this coming week’s Introit comes from verse 1, Endow the king with your justice O God, the royal son with your righteousness. We’ve seen this royal Psalm before it is a good way to close off the year 2007. Solomon had asked for wisdom as he began his reign. (See 1 Kings 3:9,11-12; Proverbs 16:12) As we review this past year and anticipate a new one may we ask the King of Kings to guide us with such wisdom. 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013 – Isaiah 60:1-6 - The Old Testament lesson tells us that nations come to the light of God’s servant. The light of God’s glory has appeared. As a result, nations come to the light of God’s servant. Light must first be scattered before there can be a gathering of people to Christ. According to verses 1 and 2, the light of God must be scattered into the world as the light is reflected in us.  How is this done? It involves evangelism and missions. The nations will come to the light, to god. They will bring honor, gifts, and praise to God. We cannot expect people or nations to become Christian until the light of Christ is cast abroad to the world through Christians.    

Wednesday, January 2, 2013 – Ephesians 3:1-12 - In our Epistle lesson we are told that Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation. The gospel is for all – including Gentiles. Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation. Can the church be exclusive? If it is the will of God to include all people, the church must fulfill that will.             

  

Thursday, January 3, 2013 –Matthew 2:1-12 – In the Gospel lesson the Gentile world worships the Christ. We are told of the visit of the Wise Men. They were wise because they made a quest for God. Today men are wise if they seek God in Christ. The foolish seek other gods – power, prestige, possessions. Wise Men then and now worship this King.  

Friday, January 4, 2013 – Psalm 72 – The Psalm appointed for this coming Sunday is also placed in the Introit. This Psalm is more about Solomon – it rightly speaks of Christ. Review verses 8-14. The extent of his domain as the result of His righteous rule is fitting of our Lord and Savior. As we begin a New Year in Jesus’ Name may we see that he will bless everything begun, continued and ended in Him if it is to accomplish anything.   

Saturday, January 5, 2013 – Revelation 22:16 – This verse is the inspiration for the hymn, “How Lovely Shines the Morning Star”. It is from the last chapter of the Savior’s revelation to St. John. In fact, they are some of the last words He will speak in Scripture. Jesus is the Root and Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.  He is the One of whom we offer our worship and praise. He is the Hope for the nations, our only Savior. Tomorrow, Epiphany Day is a reminder that Christ came for all people for the Jew but also for the Gentile. Rejoice in the Father’s greatest gift. Rejoice in this salvation.

Sources:

 LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1982 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL © 1940 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONARY PREACHING WORKBOOK A – John Brokhoff © 1980 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Epiphany

Epiphany
January 6, 2008
Matthew 2:1-12
Christ – Before and After

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.

Introduction: What is man’s condition before and after Christ? Consider the Wise Men of our Gospel lesson for this morning. Their lives were changed. What has happened to you before and after you have considered this baby born for us on Christmas morning? For those touched by Christ, like these wise men there is a before and an after.

I.        Before…

A.     Before the Wise Men came to Bethlehem. “they went their way” (Vs. 9) Why are they called “wise”? As in the Gospel Lesson for today, the Wise Men were more than men who studied the stars. History has called them Wise Men because they made a quest for God. 

Today men are wise if they seek God in Christ. The foolish ones of this world seek other gods — power, prestige, possessions.

B.     Before we are confronted with Christ we too can be tempted to go our own way in life following our own agendas, plans and directions. We find ourselves in a New Year. What would you determine to do this year in 2008? Is Christ a part of your future? Wise Men follow guidance. They saw a result of humble acceptance of guidance; they reached the Christ-child. Moreover, Wise Men then and now worship the King.

Transition: There was life before these Wise Men confronted Christ – there was life after they met Him.

II.     After

A.     Then the Wise Men came to the child Jesus, worshiped, and gave gifts. In the Gospel for today we can see two kinds of worship. The one is a false worship based upon insincerity. Herod told the Wise Men to seek after the child, “that I too may come and worship him” (v. 8). Out of fear for his position, Herod wanted to know where the new King was born. Today worship can be a guise for evil intentions.

B.     They departed to their own country by another way. (Vs. 12)  On the other hand, there is true worship practiced by the Wise Men: “They fell down and worshiped him.”

Transition: The Wise Men’s lives were changed from before to after they had met the Christ child. How does this confrontation play out in your life today?

C.     For us today.

1.      When you bow down in worship before Christ, life is never the same again. No, the same challenges, failings and frustrations of the past year might still be ours today. But we have a relationship with a Savior who has borne our iniquities and carried our sorrows. We need not strive with Him for His desire is to carry us – and accompany us along this journey of life. Will you walk with Him this season?   

2.      Christ makes the difference in your life. These men had their lives changed – they had encountered the Christ – this is what made them wise – they were humbled in the presence of Christ and offered to Him their treasures gifts and praise.

Conclusion: Just what is the difference in your life? At Christmas we receive the gift of God in Jesus. Epiphany is the time for believers to give a return gift to God by presenting gifts to Christ, as the Wise Men did. It is noteworthy that the Wise Men gave their gifts as a part of their worship.

Giving something to God when we worship is a vital part of worship, an expression of faith and love. It should never be a collection we take in church but an offering, the offering of gifts to God in gratitude for the gift received.

Note the price of the gifts the Wise Men offered — nothing cheap: “Opening their treasures the offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (v. 11).

These gifts were meaningful, full of symbolism: gold because he was a king, frankincense because he was a priest offering the perfume of prayer, and myrrh because he was a redeemer who died to save the world. What can you offer to one who has everything?

What can humans give to God? For the affluent at Christmas, it is a problem what to give to one who has everything. The Wise Men had the answer. Their gifts were fit for a king. They offered to Him their very lives.

On mine heart imprint Your image
Blessed Jesus, King of grace,
That life’s riches, cares, and pleasures
Never may Your work erase;
Let the clear inscription be;
Jesus, crucified for me,
Is my life, my hope’s foundation,
And my glory and salvation.[1]


+Soli Deo Gloria+