We’ve been to Christmas, and have stood on tip-toe to peer into the manger. And then back to the darkness of the sheepfold, with only memories of angelic light…with a few shiny feathers as tokens of Divine Visitation. As people of conscience, we often despair at the darkness which we see in daily headlines and local social imbalances. But we’ve been to Christmas! That should count for SOMEthing…? So, in this brand-new year, we yearn for the brightness of re-creation–and are yet a bit bashful to claim that we ourselves are now bearers of the Light, reflectors of the Face of God.
Scripture lessons for Epiphany–the Season of AHA!–open with words from post-Exilic Isaiah, vv. 1-6 of Chapter 60. The speaker announces a renewal of the People of God, with a great homecoming which includes the abundance of the sea and the wealth of nations, camels bringing gold & frankincense! “The [leader’s] goal is to get the people to notice God’s rising glory and join in the throng that is streaming toward it….to keep reminding the people that what we do in worship has cosmic significance.” (Stephens G. Lytch, in SOJOURNERS c 1:195) The pathos is done: Arise, shine, for your light has come.
The Epistle reading is Ephesians 3:1-12. This speaks heavily of “mystery”, which could be translated as “sacrament”. The writer emphasizes the unexpected (?) breaking-in of God, not as Plan B but just at the right time in the unfolding order of Creation. An interesting note for Epiphany: the Gentile magi come to seek Jesus, bringing the world’s riches, while this author lifts up God in Christ who seeks out the Gentiles, partnering with the Church to bring them the riches of Christ. “Through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
Even though it’s familiar, don’t neglect the Gospel story of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12). These seekers of the Light are set up as role-models for witnesses everywhere: whoever/how many they were, their story has been incorporated to illustrate the world-wide magnetism of the ChristChild. Attracted by a heavenly light which sliced through darkness, the magi are an analogy of following holiness through dark deserts of ugliness to the Source of Goodness, Wholeness and Hope. By what light do you travel toward God?
An old story tells of King Herod, old and sick, who believed that he had eliminated any rivalry to his dark-sided kingdom by the Slaughter of the Innocents. Taking to his bed, he asked that the curtains be opened–“I want see the Star go out”. It hasn’t! Carry the news to all the world…
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
My thoughts about lectionary passages assigned to the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this space on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com
My Blog 
Leave a comment