Skip to main content

A Light for All


Epiphany is when we remember the magi's visit to see baby Jesus. Epiphany means "manifestation." This day is a celebration--not because of the gifts given to baby Jesus--but because of what God has done through Jesus. Through Jesus, the divine glory has been made manifest. Through Jesus, God's glory has been made known to all. What this really means is that now the world finally gets to see what God is truly like.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where  is the child who has been born king of the Jews?" . . . they set out; and there ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. (Matthew 2:1-2a, 9)

 If you're an artistic type who's interested in Christian art, light is the traditional symbol for Epiphany. . . . the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2).But as I kept reading this passage this week what stood out to me is the search. The most recurrent them in literature is--who am I?--the search for identity. Can't you relate to that? Throughout our lives, we search for meaning. We search for truth. We search for hope. We search for love.

The truth is, this Christian life is a journey. We don't just arrive at the promised land. We struggle to get there. We pass through dark places. There are times we are threatened and feel afraid.

The real purpose of a story is about the transformation of a character. The focus of this Christian life shouldn't be about how to get saved and go to heaven after you die, instead it should be about the new creation.

Epiphany: God's light has come into the world, showing us how to love and how to live.

Jesus' birth makes God's glory known. The light is for all people. The magi are outsiders. They're from another country. They're from a different religion. But this new baby king is a light that is being revealed to the whole world.

As we read the life of Jesus, we're going to see Jesus shatter stereotypes and cross boundaries as he goes to those who are considered outsiders. He brings us into belonging. He gives us purpose. Jesus is for the world, for all nations, for all people.

Without conflict, there's no story. Where's the conflict in this story? The conflict is competition. Herod raises the question, "Who will you serve?"

Herod shows us that deep inside of us is a darkness that craves power and control. If we're not careful, if we're not self-aware, we'll try to control things and events and we'll even try to control people. So really Herod's actions should make us question, "Who am I worshiping?"

In this story, God is making an announcement: Jesus, the true king, has come into the world. And make no mistake about it, the light doesn't come from a star, it comes from a life. A life that was lived in first-century Palestine A life with a light that shines.

And that life was buried just outside Jerusalem, but the light didn't go out. The resurrected light still shines.

Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me . . . will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From Anxiety to Hope

In the early winter of AD 28, an extraordinary rumor spread across the shores of Galilee. A new prophet is on the scene. God had been silent for so long. Believers had longed for a new word from God. The last prophet to speak about the Messiah lived nearly 400 years ago. Some thought prophecy was dead. Others hoped it would be revived. Many longed for a movement which would bring them a new kind of freedom. Then John appears. Crowds come to hear this voice in the wilderness. It may helpful to remember the Exodus story: When Israel left Egypt, they were ed through the Red Sea, through the wilderness of Sinai, and, finally, through the Jordan into the promised land. People were desperate for a new exodus, a new freedom. Then John appears. He tells people to turn their lives around. He calls for people to change their hearts and lives. He's not calling for a one-time event. Instead, this is a radical change of life. John is preparing the road for the Lord to return. He...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lift High the Cross: A Holy Week Message from Bishop Bryan

This is the most unusual Holy Week I have ever experienced. Last Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday, I attended the memorial service for my mentor and friend, Bishop Bev Jones. Serving on his staff while I was in seminary was an invaluable part of my training for ministry. I thank God for the sequence of events that made possible that opportunity. On Palm Sunday, Sherrill and I received word that her brother was hospitalized due to a sudden medical crisis related to his three-year battle with mantle cell lymphoma. We made the eight-hour drive to Punta Gorda, Florida. It's one day at a time for now. We are thankful for the compassionate medical team that is caring for him. Each of these experiences reminds me of the deeply personal significance of Holy Week. The Christian faith begins with the reality of the rejection, suffering, and death of Jesus. Christianity does not dodge these harsh realities, it embraces them. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Our Mission from Jesus

Mark 6:7-13 in the Common English Bible (CEB) reads: "He [Jesus] called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick--no bread, no bags, and no money in their belts. He told them to wear sandals but not to put on two shirts. He said, 'Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. If a place doesn't welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.' So they went out and proclaimed that people should change their hearts and lives. They cast out many demons, and they anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them." In this text, Jesus sends out his disciples to proclaim and live the life that Jesus lives in their presence. He gives them the command to preach, heal, and to overcome evil, with authority. He sends them to reveal the good news of the kingdom with words a...
Post a Comment
Read more