Walk The Way Of The Wise Men

Instead of doing this, we want to come with the same purpose as the Magi. We want to come to Jesus so that we can worship him. Why? Epiphany will reveal to us a God who became man. As we see him perform mighty miracles - like walking on water, turning water into wine, raising the dead, and telling the future - we will want to praise God! But more importantly - it will give us a greater appreciation for the sacrifice that Jesus made as true God. As Philippians 2 says, Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! God became man to take our place on the cross - to die for us! Therefore, we will want to give our offerings in the offering plate, following in the footsteps of the Magi. We will want to get up and come to church, walking in the way of the wise men. The more we see of Jesus’ light, the more it makes us kneel before His majesty and worship him.

Just recently we made a trip to Norton and back - a journey of about 500 miles round trip. Even though we have heat and cruise control and padded seats - it still wasn’t very fun. The van began to have strange odors floating around. The children began to start being very protective of their space, proclaiming to one another, “quit touching me!” And a familiar cry started from the rear of the car, “are we there yet?” It isn’t a trip I would recommend anyone to make if they didn’t have to.

Today we took a much more difficult 500 mile trip with the wise men. It was a dirty trip - as they crossed a desert. It was a bumpy trip, as they rode on camels. It was filled with obstacles and challenges. Yet in the end, through nature and God’s Word - they were led to their Savior, and they worshiped him. To them, it was worth it to get sand in their shoes - wind in their faces - and sore saddles.

In order to hear about this trip of the Wise Men, you got up this morning, put on make up, dressed up, and came to church - to hear about this journey - and to find Christ in his Word and sacrament. You didn’t have to make this trip, but you decided to. Even though you haven’t traveled as long or experienced the obstacles of the Wise Men, you’ve found the same reward - a Savior - who lights up the world with his love and forgiveness. Was it worth it to you? I hope so. Amen.