Grace, peace, and God’s presence be with you always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have you ever been out in the field, or on a walk before sunrise, waiting for that first crack of light as the sun breaks over the horizon? Picture the frost glistening, and the world still quiet, as if creation itself is holding its breath in anticipation of the break of dawn.

You know what I mean. There’s something about the way the stars fade and the sky starts to glow. It feels almost holy. Today as we celebrate the Epiphany, (which was officially last Monday), we’re talking about light. Specifically, the Light of Christ that broke into our world and lit up the path for us to follow.

Today we’re looking at the account of the Magi, those wise men from the East, who followed a star. I suppose we don’t get too many wise men from the East around here. Mostly just few tourists looking for cheese curds on Cheese Days. These wise men weren’t tourists. They were on a mission because they knew their Bible. They knew the promise in Numbers chapter 24 of a star. They were seeking the promised Messiah. The One promised to Adam and Eve as they walked out of Eden, and to every generation since. They were looking for, waiting for, the One who would bring light in the darkness.

The Star that Revealed the Savior

Have you ever tried to find your way in the dark? Maybe after a storm knocked the power out and you were left fumbling with no flashlight. A number of you have worked on farms. You know what its like when the power is out and the flashlight batteries are dead, and the chores still need to get done. Or walking out to the barn or the shed in a storm and you can’t see where you’re going or coming from. It can be disorienting. That’s how the world was before Jesus. It was a world in darkness, waiting for the Light.

Then God sent a star. This wasn’t just some twinkle in the sky. It was a beacon of hope, cutting through the night like a lighthouse guiding lost ships, showing the way. It provided the kind of hope that is satisfied when the sun breaks over the horizon after a long cold night. It fills you with warmth, it gives you direction and orientation. The Bible prophesied in Number 24:

A star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.¹

That star pointed the way to the Savior, reminding us God doesn’t leave us to stumble in the dark. The Magi saw that star, knew its importance, and they followed it.

The Journey of the Magi

The journey of the wise men wasn’t easy. Their journey could remind us of our own modern spiritual journeys, like “Reading through the Bible in a Year” or “Praying through the Psalms in a Year” which require some commitment and perseverance. These practices, much like the Magi’s trek, lead us closer to the Light of Christ. They help us follow the “star” set before us to get us to our own destination: heaven.

They didn’t have four-wheel drive or a GPS. They had to cross unknown deserts, facing who-knows-what kind of dangers, all for one purpose: To find the King. Their trek was like braving icy roads to get to church. It’s challenging, but worth it. It’s not always convenient, but it is worth it. They found Jesus the Messiah. The very same Jesus you find here.

The Gifts of the Magi

The Magi found Jesus and presented the gifts they had brought: gold, frankincense and myrrh. These weren’t last-minute gas station acquisitions like: beef jerky, a six-pack and a lotto ticket. These gifts had very real and very significant meaning. Gold was for a king. Frankincense for worship and a priest. Myrrh, a burial spice, was for the sacrifice this Messiah of the manger would make.

You probably don’t have a lot of gold or myrrh lying around. Frankincense used to be used more at Christmas time, but a lot less these days. So what gifts can we bring. Like the “Little Drummer boy” or the widow and her two mites, we bring what we’ve got and it is enough. We do have our own gifts to bring. Whether it’s a neighborly helping hand, a prayer for someone, or simply showing up for others,² these are offerings fit for the King.

What gift will you bring this week? In the Children’s Message, we asked how we can follow Jesus and shine His light? Maybe that gift is lending a hand to a neighbor or sitting down to really listen to a friend in need. Maybe it’s just inviting someone to come and experience being here among friends. These acts reflect the light of Christ in us and on our neighbor.

Conclusion

The Magi’s journey reminds us the Light of Christ always guides us. Just like the star showed the wise men the way to Jesus, His light shows us the way home. It calls us to follow, to trust, and to shine His light to the world around us.

Epiphany reminds us Jesus’ light isn’t just for the Magi, or the shepherds, or even just those living in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. It’s for all of us. Even us right here in Colby. It’s for the farmer in the field. It’s for the worker in the shop. It’s for the mom juggling kids, home and job. It’s for the student in school. It’s for every one of us who feels like we’re wandering in the dark. Epiphany is part of the Light of Christ that shows us the way.

W hen we look to Jesus, we find our direction and orientation. His light shows us the way home, just like the star showed the wise men. As you head out into life this week, take a pause to notice the sun rising over the frosted fields, or the stars shining extra bright on a clear crisp winter night. Then let it remind you of the Light that came for you, that guides you, and that calls you to shine for others, as we walk that narrow road home.³

This week be sure to take a pause, take a moment to notice the light in your life, whether it’s the sun rising over snowy fields or the warmth of a candle in a dark room. Just let it remind you of the Light that came for you, that guides you, and that calls you to shine for others.

Next week, we are going to look into the importance of Baptism in our lives as a guiding light set before us by God. We are going to see how, in the waters of Holy Baptism, God declares us His children, beloved and forgiven, and called us to walk in His marvelous light. Baptism connects us to the very heart of God’s love, a love that shines brightly for all to see.

As we step into this new year, and into this new sermon series, let God’s light: guide your path, transform your heart, and lead you to love your neighbor as yourself. Let me again encourage you to pick up those reading plans. Together let’s walk through God’s Word, letting His light shine in and through us.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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