Sermon for the 8th of January, 2023 - Feast of Epiphany

Three kings from lands afar, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, following a star to the manger, to worship the baby, along with the shepherds – this is the story we know so well from our Christmas Cards, Nativity Scenes and the well know carol “We Three Kings”….. But is this right? A closer reading of Matthew gives us a different story….

Firstly, these are not kings, but astronomers (Magi) from the east – who study and interpret the movement of stars and planets. Secondly, there is never a mention of three Magi, only three gifts. Although they have been labelled as Melchior of Persia/Babylonia, Gaspar of India, and Balthazar of Arabia/Syria, this implies they weren’t traveling together from the same country, in which case it’s unlikely they would have arrived at the same time. It is more likely they came together, from the same place. In Persia, members of the priestly caste were called magi. So the chances are, it was more than 3 people and a mixture of men and women (typical of travelling caravans from Persia at that time), who made the journey to Bethlehem. Thirdly, there is the fact that they didn’t arrive whilst Jesus was a baby in a crib. It would have taken considerable time for them to travel to Jerusalem. Matthew even says, that “on entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother”. and the fact that Herod ordered the murder of all children under 2 years old supports the fact that they probably arrived at Jesus’ home to meet him as a toddler, rather than meeting a baby in a stable.

But why do these details matter? They matter because of what Epiphany is all about? We do well to separate Epiphany from Christmas as they have a very
different focus. Christmas is all about God entering into our world, bringing light in the darkness – being with us – whether we see him or not. Epiphany is about “seeing God” and recognising Jesus for who he is – our ultimate Lord and King.

Today’s gospel with its multiple references to Old Testament prophecies, is thought to have been written by Matthew, for a largely Jewish audience. It is therefore striking, that, early on in the narrative, there are astrologers from the East, rather than any Jews, recognise Jesus as Lord. It is a reminder that Jesus really is Lord of all people. Take a look at the picture on your service sheet today, by Gozzoli, which is in the Medici Ricado chapel in Florence. As with much art, the picture probably bears very little resemblance to what the magi actually looked like (given the faces of the patrons – in this case the Medici family – are usually given to the key characters), or the sorts of places they travelled through – it is thoroughly European in its construction. And that is alright in that it allows the viewers to connect with the picture – but we must ensure we don’t fall into the trap of thinking it is real – that everyone is alike (and like us).

Jesus came as the king of all people – not just the Jews, not just the Europeans, or just the wealthy, or the Christians – all people – even
the “wrong” sorts of people. In our gospel today, we can compare the reaction of King Herod and the reaction of the Magi. Herod was known to be a cruel king with a history of killing anyone he saw as a threat – including his three sons, his wife and all of the innocent children who made the mistake of being
born in Bethlehem within 2 years of Jesus’ birth. He clearly only wished to destroy Jesus. He was unwilling to risk his own kingship or give up
his power.

In comparison, the Magi responded with eagerness. The Magi were the “wrong” people doing the right thing. They must have been wealthy enough to make the long journey, and bring expensive gifts, yet they watched for the signs and followed them –and in doing so, had an encounter they would never forget - they were overwhelmed with joy. And even after this encounter, they continued to watch and listen… they listened to their dream – to go home by another road, rather than returning to Herod (as those wanting to connect with powerful people might have done).

These were gentiles who were looking for signs and were willing to follow them, to encounter God. Power had no part to play. And this all makes me wonder whether we are more like Herod or the Magi….how good are we at watching for signs, watching for God? We live in an achievement focussed, image based and cynical world, where we are often too busy to open our eyes and see what is before us. How good are we at seeing God in the spaces we don’t like to look? Seeing where God might be working with the “wrong” people, in the “wrong” places? We are often reluctant to let go of our power and wealth, like king Herod – and whilst not going out and murdering children – I wonder if we make decisions to protect our status, which aren’t quite in line with
Jesus’ teaching to care for the poor and fight for justice for those less powerful.

Epiphany is a call for each of us to open our eyes and see – to take time to watch for where God may be working, and where he may be leading us to work with him.

And maybe, if we are willing to do this – to give up some of our busyness – to give up some of our power – we may occasionally be rewarded, like the Magi, with that overwhelming feeling of joy in the experience and knowledge of God’s real and lasting love for each and every one of us.