Sunday Sermon: January 04, 2026: Second Sunday after Christmas Day

The Epiphany of Our Lord

Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12

Let us pray:
O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face. Amen.

Beloved in Christ, today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. The word itself means "manifestation" or "shining forth." While Christmas focused on the intimacy of the manger, Epiphany flings the doors open to the whole world. Matthew 2:1-12 tells the story of the Magi—foreigners, outsiders, and seekers—who saw a light in the darkness and had the courage to follow it.

A Light for All People

The arrival of the Magi is a powerful reminder that God’s love is not a gated community. In a world that often seeks to build walls and define who is "in" and who is "out," the Star of Bethlehem shines on everyone. It led people from a distant land, with a different culture and language, to the feet of Jesus. This is the heart of Epiphany: that the grace of God revealed in Christ is universal, intended for every nation, every race, and every heart.

The Courage to Seek

We often romanticize the "Three Kings," but their journey was likely long, dangerous, and uncertain. They were willing to leave the safety of the known to chase a promise. In our own lives, we are often called to a similar spiritual migration. To find Christ, we sometimes have to leave behind our old assumptions, our prejudices, or our comfort zones. The Magi teach us that faith is not a stagnant thing, but a journey toward a light that refuses to be ignored.

Offering Our Treasures

When they found the child, they knelt down and offered gifts: Gold for a king, Frankincense for God, and Myrrh for the human suffering He would endure. But perhaps their greatest gift was their attention and worship. Epiphany invites us to look at our own lives and ask: What treasures are we holding back? Are we offering our best to the work of God in the world, or are we just offering what is left over?

Our Response: Going Home by Another Way

The Gospel concludes with a fascinating detail: having been warned in a dream, the Magi "left for their own country by another way." This is more than a travel detour; it is a spiritual truth. You cannot encounter the Living God and go back to life as usual. When we truly see the light of Christ, our old paths no longer suffice. We are called to live differently, to love differently, and to navigate the world with a new set of priorities.

As we enter this new year, may the Light of the World illuminate the dark corners of our lives. May we have the curiosity of the Magi, the humility to kneel, and the courage to travel "another way"—the way of peace, the way of justice, and the Way of Love.

Let us pray:
Almighty God, guide us like the Magi to the place where Christ is found. May we reflect Your light so clearly that others may find their way to You, and may our lives be the gifts we offer at Your throne. Amen.

May the light of the glorious gospel of Christ shine in your hearts and fill your lives with joy and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.