Sermon For Epiphany

Sarah Ban Breathnach, an American author, philanthropist and public speaker once remarked: “Everyday epiphanies encourage us to cherish everything. Today a new sun has risen. Everything lives. Everything can speak to your soul passionately if you will be still enough to listen. "You have to count on living every single day in a way YOU believe will make YOU feel good about YOUR life," actress Jane Seymour suggests, "so that if it were over tomorrow, you'd be content.” Matthew 2:1-6 reminds us: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘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.’”

Epiphany is defined as the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. It is the biblical story of the three wise men, or kings as they are also referred to, who travel from afar in search of a newborn king in Bethlehem. When they reach their destination, guided by a bright star, they find the baby Jesus. They kneel and revere Him and offer gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. This story essentially denotes prominent insight, vision, inspiration and realization.

The Magi, by Christian tradition, are considered to be noble pilgrims of the east, probably with kingly status. The names assigned to these significant persons are quoted as: Balthazar, Melchior, and Gaspar. They have been associated to and interpreted as the possible fulfillment of Psalm 72:11-14 which states: “May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence, he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.”

The Epiphany could be considered as an acknowledgment of reality and truth. It reinforces the story of Christmas and affirms the initial evidence of the importance of this special birth. This birth evokes the freedom to live life as we want, with the assurance that, if needed, repentance will cast away sins committed and give salvation to the otherwise condemned. This newfound freedom needs to be both acknowledged and cherished. Titus 3:5 confirms: “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

Life has to be lived without restriction to experience its fullness, but as we are only human, it is conceivable and probably inevitable that along the way we will make mistakes. We can often be tempted, and submit to sin in various guises. God doesn’t really expect otherwise. No one, except God, is perfect. This is why He sent a redeemer. He certainly does not advocate sin, but knows the foibles of humanity and makes provision for it. Ephesians 1:7 confirms: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

Michael Morpurgo, an English author, poet, play-write and librettist once remarked: “Wherever my story takes me, however dark and difficult the theme, there is always some hope and redemption, not because readers like happy endings, but because I am an optimist at heart. I know the sun will rise in the morning, that there is a light at the end of every tunnel.” Galatians 2:20 confirms: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Epiphany signifies the end of Christmastide. For those who love the thrill and excitement of the festive period, the Christmas lights that twinkle on the trees, the gathering of friends in celebration, the singing of carols, watching the children performing an account of the nativity, the fun and laughter so often encountered, the book of Christmas finally reaches its last page.

We may close this book with sadness, conversely, if it has been arduous or strenuous, we may close it with relief. Virtually another full year has to be lived before this joyous re-enactment resurfaces to the fore. But that doesn’t mean that life should become stagnant, it is merely the start of another journey. In the United Kingdom, Epiphany coincides with the beginning of a new year and effectively combines a new start for a new year with a new outlook. The new outlook that Christ provided through His birth.