This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Psalm 72
During the Christmas season, God appears as man. During Epiphany this
man Jesus appears as God. He "shines forth" as the eternal light of the
entire world.
We begin the Epiphany season, of the church year, with the star which
became visble to make Jesus clearly known and shines forth as the "star
of Jacob". This is the season which presents the manifestation of
Christ as Son of God and Savior of the world. His glory is revealed for
all people to see and enjoy.
Jesus' glorious childhood, His baptism, and the miracles of His early
ministry all show Him to . . .
This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Psalm 72
During the Christmas season, God appears as man. During Epiphany this man Jesus appears as God. He "shines forth" as the eternal light of the entire world.
We begin the Epiphany season, of the church year, with the star which became visble to make Jesus clearly known and shines forth as the "star of Jacob". This is the season which presents the manifestation of Christ as Son of God and Savior of the world. His glory is revealed for all people to see and enjoy.
Jesus' glorious childhood, His baptism, and the miracles of His early ministry all show Him to be the true God in the flesh and the fulfullment of the OT prophecies. Epiphany reminds us that "when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.
Unlike Herod, in our text, the Gentile Magi truly intended to worship the Messiah King. The gifts they brought show the sincerity of their love and worship. Wht a sight to see these truly wise men, bow down and worship this Child. What power the Holy Spirit has to convince human hearts this child born of Mary is not only a human being but Immanuel. (God with us). This is truly the Epiphany.
With a special dream the LORD warns the Magi of Herod's real intentions. They were glad to go another direction home, to avoid hurting Jesus. If only we could see all of God commands in this light and gladly obey the, if for no other reason than to avoid hurting Jesus.
Christian friends, What about our worship? What lesson can we learn from these wise men? If you have been led to Christ and whom God has made wise to see Him as our only Redeemer, will find himself on new roads in life. From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. The old has gone, the new has come. It is clear that our worship needs to be both humble and happy. Let us bow in humble gratitude to God and raise our voices joyfully as we worship Him.
All glory unto Jesus be
And praise for His Epiphany,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore.
PRAY - O God, by the leading of a star You once made known to all nations Your only-bogotten Son; lead us now, who know You by faith, to know in heaven the fullness of Your divine goodness. Amen