Epiphany and Baptism
Lord Jesus Christ,
You see how bent over we are
Under the weight of the world’s habits.
Unburden us
Clear the path within our soul
Lift up our heads to see you
Our hearts to love you
And welcome You.
Epiphany and Baptism
We are led first into Jerusalem and then Bethlehem as we enter the gospel narrative and keep company with the wise men, those magi from ancient Persia – who are following a star and are in search of “the child who has been born king of the Jews.” These wise men seek to offer gifts and to worship, and since they understand the star to signify the birth of royalty, they go first to Jerusalem, to the palace of Herod. Where else would a prince be born? But even Herod does not know. What Herod does know is that this news evokes dread within him. A child, born to be king? King of the Jews? He knows this is no ordinary birth – for he turns for counsel to the chief priests and scribes, the religious leaders who would know the scriptures. Such news means God is on the move, and Herod fears that his place on the throne is threatened. His belief is held in the fist of human greed, and the mix of belief and greed twist his judgment into violent scheming.
The words of Simeon in the temple echo through the dark halls of Herod’s palace and expose the violent thoughts of this king who opposes the sign this new-born king brings into the world: the sign of God among us, bringing us freedom from the grasp of evil and the lie let loose in Eden.
God’s ways and love are always stronger. The darkness can never extinguish the light. God’s purposes can never be thwarted. In the night of sleep, dreams are given – to the magi, and then to Joseph. And for now Herod’s plans are thwarted, at least against the Emmanuel child. Many other infants will suffer the sword of his greed, but God is still on the move, the God who comes close among us in Jesus, and who weeps with the mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends of the little ones who were struck down in Bethlehem.
It is into this world that Jesus comes. It is into the darkness of our human reality that he allows himself to be baptized – knowing that the cup he will drink, and the baptism he will be baptized with will demand his life. And he will freely offer his life for our sake. So great and strong is God’s love for us.
As we kneel with the magi before the child, what gifts do we bring? And what dreams are given us to guide us toward the new thing that God is doing among us?
Dear Lord,
Help us to listen as we kneel
And to be attentive to your guidance
Help us to return another way -
The way of your love and presence among us
In Jesus.
Epiphany and Baptism
- 1/4 Monday: Matthew 2:1-6
- 1/5 Tuesday: Matthew 2:7-12
- 1/6 Wednesday: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7
- 1/7 Thursday: Isaiah 43:1-7
- 1/8 Friday: Ephesians 3:1-12
- 1/9 Saturday: Luke 3:14-17
- 1/10 Sunday: Luke 3:21-11
Silent Reflection:
Offer the prayer of your heart.