On Epiphany Sunday this sermon first explains the three biblical stories often related by Christians around the world to the Epiphany, or the revelation of Jesus to the world. We focus our celebration on the visit of the three wise men from the East because they return home to announce to the world the infant Jesus as God’s new gift of divine light to a world shrouded in darkness.
But then we shift focus from the wise men to us, to explore how we too can and are called to carry the good news, the light of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know him but need him dearly. “You are the light of the world,”Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16. So "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
We do that by learning to receive, value and share Christ's gift of love and hope with the world. We also are called to value and share our natural gifts--that is, our talents--and our spiritual gifts with Christ's church. In so doing, we can become loving vessels bearing Christ's gift of light to a world in darkness.
And Ephesians 5:8-9 states, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.”
So, let us be intentional in our efforts to share this light through our acts of service and by engaging with those in need, those who languish in darkness. Let us offer them hope, support and encouragement. Let us offer them Christ.