Some Sunday school children use their noisy offering to buy mosquito/malaria nets for children who are less privileged than they are.

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Hugh McKenzie
6 years ago
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1 Matthew 2: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 "And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.' " 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 9 When they had heard the king, 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. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road On this first Sunday of Epiphany we are drawn to the messages in our lessons that all relate to Christ s acceptance, calling and adoption of those who were not Jews, but those that were drawn to Christ from outside of Israel, like the Magi, who are a group of Scientists who studied the stars and astronomy. They were not Jews, we know they are from the orient. We also are told that they don t come to see the Baby Jesus in the manger as our imaginations suggest or the Hollywood

2 representations that we think of. In fact did you know that nowhere in scripture does it say there are 3 wise men. We do know that they came not to the manger but to Mary and Joseph s home to pay homage to this Baby King. It is interesting that this is the first indication that people other than Jews were drawn to Jesus, these Magi were Gentiles. As well we learn from Paul s letter to the Ephesians in our 2 nd lesson, that these Epesians were also Gentiles like you and me who have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Paul says: Of this gospel, I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. He continues, Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. So it is for you and me, we are also Gentiles, becoming heirs, members of the same body and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. We are servants according to the gift of God s grace that was given by the power of God. We are also given the grace to bring the Good news to the Gentiles as well. This good news can be shared by our hospitality, servanthood and proclamation of God s word. Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hendrum, MN, did this by opening its doors to the community of children and families of the children that now enter its doors for Wow on Wednesday afternoons and sharing quilts with newcomers to the community with an invitation to worship. Halstad and Augustana Lutheran Women did this by creating quilts for Lutheran World Relief and other local organizations. Augustana did this by giving mission support to the ELCA. This reaching out and hospitality is what pleases God. We are here to Worship God, not to be entertained as

3 consumers to see what we will get out of church today. That is completely missing the point. We are to come and give our time and effort to worshiping God and the joy of service will follow. It s not about us. That is not to say that our efforts are what get us to heaven, no that s not it either. God calls us to Godself to worship him, he needs us and he needs us to care for his Kingdom. Let us have an epiphany today and let God s word sink in so that we understand that we are here on this earth to have hospitality like Christ to feed the poor, to help others in need--- not for our sake but for Christ s sake. Christ gave this ultimate sacrifice when he died for our sins and forgave you and me so that we may have life eternal. I remember an epiphany that I had when I finally understood about faith and what faith really is, you see I have no capability or ability or power to have faith, or accept Christ, that is a gift given us by God. It is not our faith, but God s faith. God makes faith happen!!! God is the one who is faithful not me, not you! That is grace! Because we cannot by our own understanding or strength come to Christ or believe in him but we are called by the Holy Spirit and freed to help others. Like those of us who filled a semi with manna packs or nutritious soup mix food packets for children who are starving, in one weekend with the Feed My Starving Children Project. Like sharing our gifts whatever they may be to bring a song or a smile, food, shelter or love to another. A building doesn t make a church, the people do. It may take some creative thinking and innovative ideas or thinking outside the box to create opportunities to bring Christ to others. But that is our call. for our King. Here am I send me.

4 One church in Fargo gave land in their church yard and seed to people to provide a community garden for the refugees and others who are in need, but they didn t stop there they set up a time to come together with these refugees to work together in the garden, they had picnics shared their produce and as they got to know each other they invited them to a meal at church and to services, many wonderful relationships were blooming in this garden. Many churches have visitation groups or birthday clubs in which the elders, shut ins of the church or those in nursing facilities are visited by a care team and read to from scripture, prayed with or even do bible studies, to augment the pastor visitation in their churches. for our King. Here am I send me. Can you imagine how God smiles and looks upon us with favor when we do his will, and trust God s faith, notice I did not say our faith, because that is only human, but God s faith is unfailing, and perfect. Trusting in the promise we are free to share that promise with others. Some Sunday school children use their noisy offering to buy mosquito/malaria nets for children who are less privileged than they are. for our King. Here am I send me. (Mercy Me- here am I send me--- Play?)

Epiphany (January 6) -- The Collect -- Years ABC RCL

Epiphany (January 6) -- The Collect -- Years ABC RCL O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where