Feast of the Epiphany • Year A

Historical Collect

O God, on this day, by the leading of a star, you revealed your only-begotten Son to the nations. Mercifully grant that we, who know you by faith, may be brought to contemplate the beauty of your majesty; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gregorian Sacramentary, 6th Century)

Thematic Collect

Gracious God, you are the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and end. May your Spirit kindle in us a spirit of readiness, that we might at all times and in all places be prepared for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

The Common Thread

Beyond the messianic theme announced by Isaiah is another great promise. Though darkness seems to cut off all light and hope, the Light who is the Lord, arises upon people of faith. Look and see the light shining in the darkness that darkness cannot overcome (John 1:5). Though the moon perishes (and the sun with it), there will still be light, for in eternity, the Lamb is all the light we need (Rev 21:23). God is heaven’s bright star, the same guiding light that steered kings and shepherds to the infant Light of the World. And so, the mystery once kept in the dark is now revealed. God’s plan to save all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, is unveiled through “the mystery of Christ.” His “eternal purpose” is finally realized, or brought to light through him who is the Light of the World. 

First Reading • Isaiah 60:1–6

A prophet’s main tasks, according to Luther, are first, to rebuke and correct sins, and second, to point to the Christ (Luther’s Works, Vol. 17). In the previous chapters, Isaiah did rebuke, and this must be heard and addressed in one’s life. Yet now, he calls the Church to shine in the light of the Lord so that those living in darkness will come to the light of Christ.

There is only one way for us to arise in the darkness and shine, and it is not something we muster in ourselves. However, if we will wake up and stand up in faith, Christ will shine upon us (Eph 5:14). This is how we arise and shine: We reflect his light. Though at times we stumble, we arise again and again, and walk in his light as children of light (Eph 5:8).

Psalm • Psalm 72:1–11, 12–15

Christ first condemns us, so that he might save us (Luther’s Works, Vol. 10). He is able to accomplish this because he judges with the law of grace. The law of grace and truth, the Gospel, goes beyond the law of Moses (John 1:17). First, it sees us as we are, condemned to death because we are already dead in our sin. But the Gospel does not stop there; it offers life. Grace dispels the darkness and, with mercy, removes our iniquities far from us (Psa 103:11-12). Because grace is above the letter of the law, Jesus is able to lift us out of the darkness of sin. He has pity on our poor condition and redeems our lives (Psa 72:14).

Second Reading • Ephesians 3:1–12

God desires that we understand the mystery of grace. As a result, his purpose in uniting to himself all things in Christ (Eph 1:10) was made known to Saul on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3-22). It pleased God to reveal his Son in Paul (Gal 1:12, 15-16) so that even the Gentiles would be united to God in Christ. Paul received the mystery — the light of God’s grace, the Gospel — so that we, too, might believe by reading what is written (Eph 1:17; Rom 10:17).

Gospel • Matthew 2:1–12

Epiphainen means to shine (phainen) upon (epi). As a result, it may also mean to show, in the sense of enlightening one’s understanding or making something appear that one had not been seen before. The noun form of this word (epiphaneia) is often translated as “appearance.” The shepherds and the magi were shown the way by the appearance of a star shining in the east. It pointed the way to a manger, and they rejoiced exceedingly (v. 10) at the birth of the Messiah.

Yet, how much greater is one’s joy when she realizes that the true Light lay under the eastern star. Today, we marvel at the mystery that the Light of Heaven has appeared and now shines forever in the Christ as Savior of the world.

Grant Peace, We Pray, in Mercy, Lord - use this hymn for today, written by Pastor Mark Ryman, based on Matthew 2:1-12.