Without the Epiphany — the showing forth of Christ’s glory — we would have never known that the babe born on Christmas was and is the very Son of God. The Epiphany demonstrates the appearance of Jesus as God on earth. We are taught to properly know who are Savior Jesus really is throughout the season of Epiphany.

Tomorrow in particular will lead us to study the account of the magi who followed the star of Bethlehem and we will see just how miraculous an event it was as we will not only proclaim about the significance of the star, but also the significance of the magi themselves. Their reflection of God’s grace for us as well is inspirational and amazing.

In addition, Christ will show forth His grace and mercy to you again through His Holy Supper as you receive His true body and blood for the forgiveness of all — not just some or most — but ALL of your sins.

I look forward to serving you tomorrow in God’s house at Crean Lutheran High School, 12500 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine.

Exit Sand Canyon from 405 or 5

Head Northeast towards hills

Cross Irvine Blvd.

Turn right on Saint’s Way

Service starts at 9:30 am, Sunday School and Bible Study start at 11:00 am.

Here is an excerpt (the introduction) of tomorrow’s sermon:

Introduction: Popular images that don’t quite represent Scripture. Case and point: The Epiphany “Kings” or “Wise” Men Who Followed the Star:

 

1. Calling them “kings” is something that did not occur until the 6^th century; calling them “wise” did not occur until the 8^th century! (Gibbs, Concordia Commentary: Matthew 1:1-11:1, 123-124)
2. But our cultural images have built up these popular ideas about the magi who came to pay homage and adoration towards the baby Jesus (who was about two years old and was now being raised in the house of Joseph and Mary). This also corrects our typical “manger scenes”: the magi never made it to the manger, but traveled for many months to see the baby Jesus when much time passed after His birth. So the shepherds worshipped at the manger, but the magi bowed down before Christ in the humble home of Joseph and Mary many months after the birth of Christ.
3. In the typical manger scene we have the poor shepherds and then the elaborate magi right there with them, but the biblical evidence states that the magi arrived long after the shepherds and furthermore Scripture will not let us be too terribly impressed with the magi.
4. Magi were often servants of rulers who oppressed the people of Israel as we seemingly have depicted in the book of Daniel. They were most certainly not kings, but again, servants.
5. Furthermore, any good Israelite would never admire their so-called “wisdom.” Ancient astronomy was often associated with the occult. From a Jewish perspective, this was a form of false and idolatrous knowledge and learning. For the people of God at the time, this would be something to be shunned.
6. But even more fundamentally disturbing is that these magi were Gentiles…they were outsiders in relation to the people of God…they did not belong in association with the Holy Messiah!
7. So who were the magi…they were not really kings, but servants; they were not really wise, but were known for occult science; and they were not even among God’s people, but Gentiles! How much should these men – in terms of their own persons and credentials – be admired? Not at all! And yet…these are the ones who came seeking Christ!

In Your Service and To Christ’s Glory,

Pastor