Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations
by the leading of a star. [1]
Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us
at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Isaiah 60:1-6
{1} Arise, shine; for
your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
{2} For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the
peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear
over you. {3} Nations shall come to your light, and kings to
the brightness of your dawn. {4} Lift up your eyes and look
around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall
come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their
nurses' arms. {5} Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart
shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be
brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. {6} A
multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and
Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and
frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.
1-3. your light has come…. darkness shall
cover the earth…. Nations shall come to your light: Zion is
addressed as a woman in distress. With the return of the exiles to
Jerusalem the temple is rebuilt and is filled with the glory of
Yahweh, The Gentiles are attracted to it. Peace and security come to
Zion while the rest of the world sits in darkness. The image of light
breaking forth in darkness appears in Isaiah 9:2 and 42:16 as well. 4. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together,
they come to you: A quotation of Isaiah 49:18. "…the reuse
of the promise of Second Isaiah, especially in chapter 49, serves a
particular function in chapter 60 as a whole…. The earlier promise
is confirmed and eschatologically expanded. Chapter 60 continues to
envision Zion as on the very edge of the divine transformation of
Jerusalem." [2] 5. the wealth of the nations shall come to you: Haggai 2:6-9
indicates that the treasure of the nations will be brought to the
temple of Zerubbabel, the Second Temple which was built in 515 b.c. 6. Midian and Ephah…Sheba: Names associated with the Arabian
desert. Midian and Ephrah are great traders from the desert.. When the
queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem to test Solomon’s wisdom she came
with camels bearing spices and gold (1 Kings 10:1-2). gold and frankincense: According to Jeremiah 6:20 frankincense
came from Sheba.
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
{1} Give the king your
justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son. {2} May
he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.
{3} May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the
hills, in righteousness. {4} May he defend the cause of the
poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the
oppressor. {5} May he live while the sun endures, and as long
as the moon, throughout all generations. {6} May he be like
rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.
{7} In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until
the moon is no more…. {10} May the kings of Tarshish and of
the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring
gifts. {11} May all kings fall down before him, all nations
give him service. {12} For he delivers the needy when they
call, the poor and those who have no helper. {13} He has pity
on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. {14} From
oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their
blood in his sight.
1-7: The psalmist intercedes on behalf of the
king, praying that he will be endowed by Yahweh with justice and
righteousness, so he may defend the poor, deliver the needy, and crush
the oppressor. That he may be like the rains that water the earth, so
righteousness and peace may flourish forever. 10-11: Kings from the remote ends of the earth are called on to
do homage to him. 12-14: They pay homage because he protects the poor and the
needy from oppression and violence.
Ephesians 3:1-12
{1} This is the reason
that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you
Gentiles—{2} for surely you have already heard of the
commission of God's grace that was given me for you, {3} and
how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above
in a few words, {4} a reading of which will enable you to
perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. {5} In
former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it
has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
{6} that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the
same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the
gospel. {7} 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.
{8} 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, {9} and to make everyone see what is the plan of the
mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; {10} so
that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might
now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly
places. {11} This was in accordance with the eternal purpose
that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, {12} in whom
we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him
1. This is the reason: The unity of Jews and
Gentiles in the household of God, a holy temple, built on the
foundation of prophets and apostles with Christ as the cornerstone
(Ephesians 2:15-22). 3. as I wrote above: Paul is referring to the unification of
Jews and Gentiles by the Messiah found in Ephesians 2:11-22, as is
confirmed in this chapter by verse 6. This is "the mystery of
Christ" in verses 4, 5 and 9. 5-6. this mystery was not made known…it has now been revealed:
The mystery or secret is that "the Gentiles have become fellow
heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ
through the gospel." This secret is not a mystery which can only
be discovered and understood by an "adept," but a truth that
can only be known by revelation. Access to that revelation is not
restricted; it is open and available to all who will receive it. 7-8: Paul describes his service of the Gospel, bringing this
good news to the Gentiles, as a gift of grace given to one who is
undeserving, the very least of all the saints. 9-12: The eternal purpose of God is that his wisdom would be
made known through Christ so everyone would know the secret of his
purposes. Through Christ Paul is confident that he has access to God
through faith in Christ.
Matthew 2:1-12
{1} 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.
1. In the time of King Herod: Herod the Great
reigned from 37-4 b.c. Matthew thinks that Jesus was born about 2
years earlier (see Matthew 2:16). So, he must have been born between 7
and 5 b.c. [3] Bethlehem of Judea: Jesus, who died as King of the Judeans, was
born in Judea. See the note on verse 2. wise men from the East: M£goi [magoi],
Magi. We don’t know how many there were, or specifically from where
they came, thought we do know it was from the East. 2. we observed his star at its rising: "The ‘star’
seen in the East and moving westward (v. 9) is a comet. The meaning of
a comet depends on its direction. ‘Sometimes there is a comet in the
western sky, usually a terrifying star and not easily expiated,’
Pliny the Elder tells us…." [4] the child who has been born King of the Jews: Not Jews, but
Judeans (there were no Jews at this time). Herod turns this into a
reference to "the Messiah" (verse 4). 6: The quotation is from Micah 5:1, 3 with the last clause from
2 Samuel 5:21. Both passages have connections with David’s kingship. 11. they knelt down and paid him homage: The magi, Gentiles,
were the first to offer homage to the infant Messiah. The word
"homage" occurs three times in this passage. In verse 2 the
magi declare their intent to pay the child homage which they do in
this verse. In verse 8 Herod also indicates his desire to pay homage
to the child. gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh: "‘Gold,
frankincense and myrrh’ are three types of incense or gums that
produced fragrant odors when burned; the ‘gold’ was used on the
‘golden altar’ (see Heb. 9:4; Rev 8:3; 9:13; Luke 1:11). Bringing
gifts was a gesture of honor. Because there were three different types
of incense, later tradition deduced the presence of three magi. There
is no such indication in the story of Matthew." [5] 12. warned in a dream not to return to Herod: Dreams are the
means by which God directs people in connection with the birth of
Jesus (see Matthew 1:20; 2:13, 19).
Reflection
The Psalm responds to the first
lesson’s call for the awareness of the exiles to the in-breaking of
light into the darkness of their suffering in exile. The first lesson,
Psalm and Gospel are connected by the notion of the homage of the
Gentiles. They come to the Messiah because he acts for the weak and
helpless, and in their case for the outcast.
In the second lesson Paul speaks of the
mystery or secret of the incorporation of the Gentiles into the
household of God, a mystery which has been hidden for ages, but is now
revealed in Christ.
The Magi from the East find the infant Jesus
and pay him homage. This is the one who fulfills the promises and
expectations of the Old Testament lessons, and of whom Paul is a
servant "to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless
riches of Christ."
With One Voice (e.g. 762v), Hymnal Supplement 1991
(e.g. 725s) and LBW (e.g. 32).
E=Entrance; D=Hymn of the Day; I=First Lesson, P=Psalm;
II=Second Lesson; G=Gospel
76 --E--O Morning Star,
82 --D--As With Gladness
723s--I--Arise, Your Light (652v)
651v --I--Shine, Jesus, Shine
87 --P--Hail to the
523 --II--Holy Spirit, Ever
642v --G--I Wonder as I
645v --G--There's a Star
646v --G--We Three Kings
8, 736s, 81, 75, 68
P or A: As we celebrate the coming of gentiles to honor the
birth of Jesus, let us pray for all peoples, saying, "Arise,
shine for your light has come," and responding, "The glory
of the Lord has risen upon us."
A: Because the star rose at the right time to guide them, the magi
were led to you. May your Church, its ministers and people, be the
light that will guide the nations to you in this time. Arise, shine
for your light has come. The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
A: Because the gentiles recognized and honored you as king, we can
hope for justice for the poor and peace for the nations. Let the heart
of every leader and citizen hope and work for the time when your
righteousness shall flourish. Arise, shine for your light has come.
The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
A: Because the wise brought you gifts, let us also offer the gifts and
talents we have been given to serve you in the church, in our daily
work, and in any situation where there is special need and want.
Arise, shine for your light has come. The glory of the Lord has risen
upon us.
A: Because there are those among us who are sick, we turn to you for
the gift of your healing. We name them before you _______, and ask
that in our hearts, your voice may be heard. Arise, shine for your
light has come. The glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
A: Because of your saving grace, we can rejoice with all those who
have died and gone before us with the sign of faith. Let us all gather
before your eternal throne in wonder and praise and know that we have
heard your call. Arise, shine for your light has come. The glory of
the Lord has risen upon us.
P: O God our true light, you have shown forth your Son to the nations
as an emblem of hope. Hear the prayers we have brought to you and
bless us as you direct us in ways that will spread the light. Amen.
Presider or deacon
As we join the wise men from the East and humbly offer gifts at the
feet of Jesus, let us offer prayers to God who shows the glory of
Christ in all the world. Deacon or other leader
By the manifestation of the King of the Jews to the shepherds and the
magi.
For N our bishop and the presbyters, for the deacons and all
who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God.
For all believers who put their trust in the incarnate Son of God.
For the leaders of the nations and all in authority, and for peace and
justice.
For the conversion of the whole human race to our blessed Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.
For travelers, for the sick and the suffering, for the hungry and the
oppressed, for those in prison, and for the dying and the dead.
For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need.
Remembering our most glorious and blessed Virgin Mary, N, and
all the saints, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living
God through Christ.
To you, O Lord. Presider
God of the stars of night, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful
feast. Fill our hunger with your word of truth and summon all who
thirst to the banquet of your love. Glory to you for ever.
Notes [1] For a
discussion of the implications of astronomical considerations see
Colin J. Humphries, “The Star of Bethlehem, A Comet in 5
b.c. and the Date of Christ’s Birth,’ Tyndale Bulletin
43(1992)31-56. Humphries concludes that “the birth of Christ was
in the Spring, in the period 9 March-4 May 5 BC. Tentatively the
period around Passover time is suggested (13-27 April 5 BC).” pp.
55-56. [2] Brevard S.
Childs, Isaiah. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox
Press, 2001, p. 496. [3] Colin J.
Humphries, “The Star of Bethlehem, A Comet in 5
b.c. and the Date of
Christ’s Birth,” Tyndale Bulletin 43(1992)31-56, argues for
the period from 9 March to 4
May in the year 5
b.c. on the basis of astronomical evidence. [4] Bruce Malina
and Richard L. Rohrbaugh, Social Science Commentary on the Synoptic
Gospels, Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992, p. 32. [5]Loc. cit. [6]http://www.worship.ca/text/wpch0203.txt [7]http://www.worship.on.ca/text/inter_a2.txt
[8]http://members.cox.net/oplater/prayer.htm
