January 6, 2008 Sermon
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Epiphany Day
January 6, 2008 Allan Conkling
There is still one holiday that has escaped under the radar, or at least hasn't been discovered as a marketing event yet: the day of Epiphany. For more than a thousand years this day, January 6, was as important in the church as Christmas. It was the bookend, the second pillar of two great walls coming together from very different directions: east meeting west, Nativity and Manifestation, the dark days of winter giving way light. Christmas was represented by the Holy Family: Mary & Joseph and their journey to Nazareth, the baby; and by shepherds watching their flocks by night to whom the Angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the Highest".
Epiphany was, by contrast symbolized by the journey of Wise Men, the astrologers, the Magi coming to adore the newborn king. They were divinely guided by a star, the "Star of David", the Jewish symbol the era of the new messiah.
"Stars, comets and strange lights in the sky have always been two-edged symbols. They portend ascent of great people and the fall of great people. One man's rising star is another man's falling comet."
In this story the Gentiles are the ones who bow in obeisance to Yahweh, the god of the Jews. No earthly power would be stronger than God.
Today these symbols and the meanings behind them are all but lost. Thanks mainly to St. Francis of Assisi (as a teaching tool for his monks) we lump them all together as one story. Sadly, there's not but a handful of folks who could even tell you what the word "Epiphany" means. So what is there for us that we can learn from this day?
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah talks about a darkness which covers the earth; thick darkness covering the people. Isaiah was predicting the fall of Jerusalem around 500 BC, but you and I also know that darkness. I have said many times that as a nation we are the most religious yet in many ways the shallowest and most spiritually vacuous. We are the richest nation yet poverty and unemployment particularly among minorities is still very much a reality. Throughout the world more than one billion people: one-sixth of the world's population live each day under the weight of extreme poverty. Pandemic disease, war and widespread conflict, environmental degradation and lack of access to education fuel a growing distrust for governments and a widening chasm between the haves and the have nots Daily we battle with the demons of depression, illness, addiction, and family dysfunction. Isaiah called it "thick darkness covering the people" and that is good description. Perhaps as never before, there is a need for something beyond us to break into our lives, and give us meaning and purpose.
Listen to the promise of Isaiah:
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." There is darkness, yes... "But the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you."
Centuries later, Paul (NT) would call himself a "prisoner" of this Good News. He assures us that;
"It has now been revealed...We have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him."
Christians of every age are given the invitation to enter the light, to leave the darkness in which we dwell. Moreover we are bearers of the light: we are God's hands in the world; through us world can be a better place. So where do we begin?
In the Gospel we are given a clue:
First, we are to respond- to that which calls and beckons us. The Magi were looking for answers, searching the heavens. They observed the Star at is rising, the portent of the coming king. They set out to find him.
Second, we go with others who have seen "the star". This journey of faith requires that we have the encouragement and support of others.
Third, we must be discerning- as to what we will encounter. There will be Herods along the way who will want keep us in darkness.
Finally, we must always be ready to give our best.
Epiphany can be our time to commit ourselves, our lives to be part of the spreading of the Christ-light. We bear the light of Christ to the places where we work, study and play.
Because strangers in a far off country once searched the heavens, risked long and dangerous travel, and gave their best, we are here now. The Wise Ones implore us--follow the star!
Copyright © 2003 Emmanuel Episcopal Church. All rights reserved.
Revised: 01/11/08