January 6 – Epiphany –

Seekers who Follow the Light

Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem asking “Where is this child who has born King of the Jews?  For we have observed his star at its rising.” Matthew 2:1

The magi were eastern astrologers who constantly plotted the movement of heavenly bodies, and from their astrological charts made predictions.

 But what was that star?  It is a bit of a mystery.  Last week in the Express News, there was an article with the headline “Astrophysicist’s theory may explain star of Bethlehem”.  He considers a number of possibilities, and decides the most likely is an alignment of the planets Jupiter and Saturn - thus forming one bright light in the sky.  This happened three times over a period of several months in 6 B. C. - signally to astrologers that something big was about to happen.  They considered Jupiter to be the royal, or kingly planet.  Saturn was sometimes associated with the Jews. For astrologers, events in the heavens were thought to have earthly counterparts.  So they might draw the conclusion that the heavens were signaling a new king of the Jews was about to be born.

These Magi with that idea set out on a quest to confirm their theory by going to the capital city of the Jews.  Presumably most of their fellow Magi stayed home, gazing at the stars.  “Interesting theory, but I’m not taking a long camel ride to find out if it’s true.”

But these Magi are seekers on a journey, a search for truth.  They were the sort of people who were looking for something, willing to risk the journey, brave enough to venture forth on the search.

 Could they be an example of one way to approach the New Year?  

Will it be a year when you will be expectant - seeking something more?  Will you be brave enough to take risks and perhaps venture forth in a new direction?

The Magi are a model for those who attempt to move toward God, who go forth in search of something better, something more in life.  They are classic seekers, who follow the light, and finally reach their goal.  

 

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3

When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem and started asking about the birth of a new king, they were soon escorted to the current King of the Jews.  Herod was not a Jew, but had been appointed by the Romans.  He knew the Jews had been waiting for the Messiah, the descendant of David.  So Herod was greatly disturbed - even afraid.  And Jerusalem was also troubled, because they knew how bloody Herod could be when he was anxious.  They were fearful because their little world might be disrupted.  Herod wasn’t a good king, but with the help of Roman soldiers he kept the peace.  The possibility of a rival king - and a rebellion - was enough to make those in the know fearful.  Better to maintain the status quo.

 Maybe the response of many in Jerusalem - fear - is another approach to the New Year.  Fear of the unknown can make us cling to the way things are and our fear of failing can keep us from trying anything new.  Our fears are usually buried so deep that we’re not aware of them most of the time.  Yet, our fears can limit us - hold us back.

But remember Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, who says to you, “Do not be afraid.  Trust me.”  Don’t be limited by fear of failure - you’re allowed to fail.  The Lord is only a step away, offering support and forgiveness - and the courage to try again.

Calling together the all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.  They told him

“In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet.” Matthew 2:4,5

Our Magi are no ordinary men, for when they get lost they stop to ask for directions.  So they are called wise men, for they seek guidance on their quest.  The chief priests and scribes have consulted the Scriptures and report that the prophet had said the messiah, a ruler to shepherd Israel will come from the little village of Bethlehem.

 The road map that got the Magi to their final destination is also available to you - the holy scriptures, the Bible.  It had to be interpreted for them - and gave them the guidance they needed for the journey.  And the Bible could be your guide in the New Year.  But it’s only helpful if you open it and read it.

When the Magi, now wise men, arrived in Bethlehem and find the baby Jesus, “They were overwhelmed with joy.  On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and knelt down  and worshipped him.” 2:10,11

Aren’t we like the Magi, the Wise Men?  Seeing them bring their gifts to Jesus and kneel down to worship him, should remind us of ourselves.  That’s what we’ve come here today to do - to worship Christ and offer him our gifts - ourselves.  Maybe that scene in the gospel is the first Christian worship service, because that’s what Christians have been doing ever since - gathering to worship Christ.

They were joyful because they had been on a search and the words of the prophet had shown they were going in the right direction.

But the baby they found was not the end of the journey, but the beginning - as Christ always is for those who follow him.  And Christ can take us places we would not have gone without his leading.

Like the magi who saw his star in the east and followed it, we have seen the light of Christ and are following it, our path enlightened by His teaching.  Remember, the goal is joy - the full abundant life offered by Christ.

When the Magi reached their destination and saw Jesus, they are filled with joy.  Their joyful worship is quite a contrast to Herod’s fear.  So today’s installment of the Christmas story is full both fear and joy, as are our lives as followers of Jesus, also full of fear and joy.  To be a Christian is to be someone who is on a journey toward Jesus - one who continues to seek him.  There is fear at the unknowns and perils of the journey.  There is joy at having reached are destination and experiencing the grace and mercy of Christ.

The Magi left for their own country by another road. 2:12

Are we willing to go on that journey with joy - to relinquish our sense of comfort and control - and to go where the star, and its Lord will lead us?

We’re all at different points in our faith journey.  Some of you have been following the Master for a long time and know the joy of having reached your destination.  Yet, aren’t there areas of your life in which you could grow in the New Year?  We follow a living Lord, a demanding Savior, who keeps leading us forward, in whose service is high adventure.

What will be new in your life of faith this year?

 Others are at the middle of the journey.  Often that’s the most difficult part of the journey.  You’ve been seeking for a long time, and there is anxiety about when and how you will reach your destination.  Maybe there is a conflict within us - part of us willing and joyfully accepts Jesus as Lord of our lives - and the darker side of the self fears the change he might make in our lives - even rejects his right to rule in our lives.

 Some are at the beginning of their faith journey.  You have begun seeking - but maybe at this point it is not exactly clear what it is that you are looking for.  This Jesus is beckoning us to go on a journey into an uncertain future - following His light, where ever he will lead.

 When we journey toward the risen Savior, we discover that he has been calling us, waiting for us, and loving us all along.  We meet the One who truly knows us, and invites us to come and follow.

This New Year is an opportunity to make a new beginning – a new start on our journey with Jesus

Can we rise to a new sense of adventure, forsake our cozy boundaries, and go forth following Christ?

May 2008 be a year when we together embark on a spiritual journey that will draw us closer to Christ -- a year when you strive intentionally to be his disciple,  by practicing your faith; so that you may know the ‘boundless riches of Christ’

Lord Jesus, star rising in the east, sun of righteousness, shine upon us. Lord Jesus, light of the world, enlighten us, show us your way for us. Then, having seen your light, teach us to follow wherever you lead in this New Year. Make us bold in venturing forth as your disciples, that we may walk with you, serve you, and rejoice in your light.