[Editor’s note: This reflection examines RCL lessons for Jan. 6, the Epiphany of the Lord, which some churches will celebrate on Sunday, Jan. 5. Previous reflections for both Epiphany and Christmas 2, are listed at the end of this reflection.]
By the Rev. Elisabeth Shelton Hartwell
Revised Common Lectionary reflection, Epiphany of the Lord
January 6, 2025
Key verse: And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. -Matthew 2:12
Dear fellow preachers: We made it through the Advent and Christmas marathon! Congratulations! If you are like me, your inclination at the end of December is to take a deep breath (and a long nap) and feel a sense of relief. At the same time, we might also realize how rich with possibilities our text from Matthew 2:1-12 is, given our observance of Epiphany and the dawn of a new calendar year. Now that the busyness of the Christmas season is coming to a close, we have a golden opportunity to reflect on its deeper meaning and how we become faithful stewards of its promise and mystery.
There is so much here to explore! In our sermons we can ask how the Magi’s long trek to Bethlehem (and how their interaction with Herod) informs our spiritual journey after Christmas and as we begin 2025. Here are some possibilities:
- The difference between Herod and Jesus. Both are kings in their own right. But consider the difference in the power they exert. Herod’s power quashes life as it exerts rigid control. Jesus’ power, on the other hand, is life-giving and life-affirming. Both kinds of power continue at work in our world. Ask your congregants what power they claim to guide their own lives as they move into the new year.
- The Magi are significant, in part, because of their identity as Gentiles from a distant land who travel to visit the Jewish newborn who reigns as king. Their story in Matthew’s Gospel speaks to how the Gospel is for everyone, not just for those in any particular faith tradition or nation. Even more, their experience shows how Jesus can move profoundly in the lives of “outsiders.” The Magi’s story is an opportunity to consider your church’s witness and welcome in the new year. What can your congregation learn by moving beyond its walls and into the wider community of which you are a part? What can you learn from those who appear to be “outsiders?”
- Invite your congregants to put themselves in Herod’s place. A new king challenges Herod’s authority, and he fears no longer being in charge. For us, as followers of Jesus, it can be intimidating to welcome Jesus into the world and our lives. We want control and order on our own terms, with us calling all the shots. When we submit to the reign of Christ, we have to give up our control. Ask your congregants how, in the new year, they need to let go of control so that Jesus can move more fully in their lives. What changes does he ask them to make in the course of their daily living?
My fellow preachers, to me the most significant part of the Magi’s story comes at the very end, when they return home by another way. Given all they have seen and experienced, how could they not respond by traveling down a new road? It is quite fitting that we enter into their story as a new year begins, because we, too, can travel down a new and different road. We become faithful stewards of the new calendar year when we claim the transformative power of Jesus’ birth and God’s incarnation for ourselves. The Magi’s story tells how Jesus’ birth transforms their lives. How will it transform yours and your congregation’s?
In Worship, Worship with Youth, and Worship with Children
For this particular text, I am grouping together worship for grown-ups, youth, and children because the suggestion I will make applies to all three groups. In my congregation, we have an Epiphany tradition that has been very meaningful and might be worthwhile for you too.
When we celebrate Epiphany, we distribute “star words” to everyone in worship. You can make them in a number of ways, but generally speaking they are little stars that have words written on them, like “joy,” “love,” “imagination,” “discernment,” “prayer,” and many others. They are placed face down in a bowl and everyone of all ages takes one. The word written on the star becomes a guide in the new year for the person who selects it. Children select their star words from a different bowl- the words written on their stars are age-appropriate.
Many of my congregants keep their star words for years. They use their latest word to guide their living in the new year, and they also look back on how previous years’ star words made an impact in their lives. It is a really effective, concrete way of putting the Magi’s story into action.
Previous reflections for the Second Sunday after Christmas:
2021 – Blessed be!
2020 – Gifts of Christmas: The gift that keeps on loving
2014 – Light, Action, Incarnation!
Previous reflections for Epiphany of Our Lord:
2020 – Light! Jesus! Action!
2019 – Tell me, do you see Jesus?
2013 – Where’s Jesus?
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