The Epiphany of our Lord (Observed) - January 4, 2026 (Slides) - Click on the word "Slides." It will open a separate tab to follow the slides. Let the service stream in the first tab as you follow the slides. Or, separate the two tabs to view at the same time.
The M3 for The Epiphany of Jesus (observed) - January 4, 2025
Jesus Journeys
Yesterday we celebrated the Epiphany of Jesus, which actually takes place on January 6. The title points to the three journeys in the sermon: that of the "wisemen" or "kings, the journey of Jesus into history, and Jesus' journey to us today. I said that the terms "wisemen" and "kings" likely are serious misnomers. The greek work is "magi," and other uses of this term at the time refer to astrologers, who looked at the sky to discern signs. Usually vagabonds, these magi would not have been respected by the Jewish people. Though they journeyed far, it is the wondrous movement of the star that captures the account. Stars don't move. This one does: the creation moving as its Creator comes within it! Initally, they go to King Herod, who was the consummate political hack, converting to Judasim as an Idumean (from Edom), yet loyal to the Roman governing authorities. Translation: he was all about himself. Eventually, the star leads them to the nothing-town of Bethlehem, where Jesus is born. The point: Jesus reveals himself to the least-expected of people.
The second journey refers to the unfolding promise now come true in Jesus! In Genesis 3:15 God promises that one will come from Eve's seed to crush Satan's head. The whole Old Testament has this as its outline: the coming of the Promise into the world. Jesus is that promise fulfilled, but it has been a winding road to get here. Along the way YHWH uses a lot of "suspect" people to accoplish this unfolding promise--people like Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, etc. The point: God's journey includes sinners like you and me!
That brought us to the third Jesus journey: his journey to you. He comes to you through His Spirit, the Holy Spirit. Yet, this Holy Spirit doesn't just appear, but comes through the Word of God in all its forms--spoken, written, viewed, etc. God does not abandon you but continues to come to you, like he did Joseph, Mary, the Apostles, and every child of God since. God uses the elements of this cursed creation to bring about the unfolding of his new creation–which begins with you. You are a new creation in Jesus Christ. Yet, your newness continues to unfold, and will be completed at His second advent. Enjoy the Jesus journey!