The light of the Lord's saving presence is announced in the Old Testament and revealed in the New
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: The light of the Lord's saving presence is announced in the Old Testament and revealed in the New. The Gentiles, as well as the Jews, are led by God's revelatory light to pay homage to God's Anointed One.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1--6, 9 (E)
The light of God's glory has been shed on the chosen nation and all the people who live in darkness will be drawn to the light, together with Israel's scattered citizens. Their neighboring realms will pour their wealth into Israel - gold and frankincense.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12 (C, E); Ephesians 3:2--3a, 5--6 (RC)
The mystery of the gospel, withheld from former generations, has now been revealed in Christ to all people, including the Gentiles. All believers are members of the Household of Faith and have direct access to God.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12 (C, RC, E)
The visitation of the Magi.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 72:1--7, 10--14 (C); Psalm 72 (E) - A prayer for the reign of God's righteous king.
Psalm 71 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
O Light of the World, lead us through the darkness of our ignorance and sin into the light of your love and grace. There let us bow at your feet and present to you the gifts that you deserve. In Jesus' name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6
Arise and shine. The city of Jerusalem had been raped and pillaged by her enemies but is ordered to "rise and shine." The light of God's presence will cause her to sparkle again. Those who destroyed her will also restore her glory and luster. The Lord is the source of her glory and was about to make his presence known in his land.
The new Jerusalem. The old Jerusalem had been destroyed by enemies in punishment for apostasy. God had removed his glorious presence and the nation was led captive. The Lord was now re--establishing his presence in the holy city. It would not be the same city as before; the Lord was establishing something new. Unfortunately, the new Jerusalem would fall victim to the same old problems. The Revelation of John picks up on the concept of the new Jerusalem but portrays it as an eschatological event. The new Jerusalem becomes a symbol of the kingdom of heaven.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12
Proclaiming the mystery. The word "mysterion" can be interpreted "secret." Paul relates that Christ called him to reveal the mystery of the gospel. The content of that mystery is that salvation through Christ is offered to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. That intention of God had not previously been known. The secret is out and God offers salvation to all.
Mystery religions. Mystery religions pervaded the ancient Near East. Their life centered around secret religious rites and ceremonies that told the myth story of the god or goddess. Only those initiated into the cult could participate in the rites, called mysteries. Many such religions had initiatory rites employing water or blood and sacred meals, by which the worshiper communed with the god or goddess. Mystery religions pried religion free from its traditional association at that time with state and family and made it a matter of personal choice. Christianity shares in many of the characteristics of a mystery religion but there are profound differences. The central story (myth) is based on historical reality, on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Secondly, Christianity has no secret rites or ceremonies. The mystery has been revealed concerning how God redeems sinners and grants them eternal life (Ephesians 3:3--5).
Made a minister (v. 7). Paul was made a minister or servant of the gospel by the grace of God. He hadn't earned it (v. 8). All Christians are made ministers in our baptism. What does it take to make a minister? The grace of God and a willingness to serve in his name.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12
Magi. The Magi, meaning astrologer, has traditionally been rendered "Wise Men." It is believed that they came from Babylonia, Persia or Arabia. They were probably of a priestly cast and were familiar with the Hebrew prophecies of a redeemer--king. The appearance of the heavenly luminary was taken as a sign of the fulfillment of the prophecies.
A sign positive and negative. When Simeon spoke to Jesus' parents in the temple, he referred to the baby as a sign that would be "spoken against" (Matthew 2:34). For the Magi, the sign of the star was a positive sign. They came to worship the new king (v. 2). Herod and other central figures in Jerusalem viewed this birth with fear and suspicion (v. 3). The birth of Christ continues to be a mixed sign; some see it as the promise of the righteous reign of God, while others view it as an acute threat to their own plans and schemes.
Faith journey. The Magi traveled on a faith journey. When they embarked from their homeland, they didn't know exactly where the star would lead them. They had no certainty that they would find the newborn king but they took the risk and their faith was rewarded. Contemporary faith trekkers have an advantage over the Wise Men; we know the identity of our king. The object of our journey is not to find our king but to follow our king into uncharted territory. Our faith journeys still entail risk and uncertainty.
The joy of journey's end. When the Magi found the object of their search, their hearts exploded with rapturous joy expressed in worship (vv. 10--11). Envision the unutterable joy that will flood our hearts when we complete our earthly faith journey and gaze into the face of our Lord and king.
They opened their treasures (v. 11). No act of worship is complete without opening our treasures and laying them at the feet of the One we call Savior and Lord.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6
Sermon Title: Arise And Shine!
Sermon Angle: The captives are ordered to arise, like the sun, and shine. How could they when the darkness of death clung to their souls like a wet garment? The glory of the Lord shone upon them. God was the source of their light and after a long night of sorrow was about to dawn upon them. The people of God do not have to manufacture the light, merely reflect it.
Outline:
1. After a long night of captivity, the day of favor had dawned.
2. The Jews were to reflect the Lord's redemptive light.
3. The light of salvation is revealed in Christ.
4. Arise from spiritual slumber, turn your face to Jesus, and shine for all to see.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12
Sermon Title: The Gospel: An Open Secret
Sermon Angle: The word for "mystery" interprets in English as secret. Paul discusses the mystery that was revealed to him (v. 3). Possessing a secret can be exciting. Such knowledge makes a person feel important and possibly a little smug. The real joy comes not from possessing the secret but in sharing it. It was Paul's privilege to share the secret of salvation for all people. For many the grace of God remains a mystery (secret). The mission of the church impels us to share the mystery of the gospel with all who will hear. It's an open secret.
Outline:
1. Explain the meaning of the word "mystery."
2. We have an important mission - life and death information to share.
3. Share the secret of salvation - share the joy!
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12
Sermon Title: The Quest For The King
Sermon Angle: The wise men journeyed to find the one born king of the Jews. They reasoned that such a one could be found in the palace of a king. So they visited King Herod. The wise men of Herod's court informed them of the scriptural prophecies that this king was to be born in Bethlehem. Most people are searching for their king, for a person or a cause to which they can gives themselves. They have given their hearts to a political ideal or party, to a guru or teacher or some other authority figure. Such obeisance has often led to destruction and death. We have found a king that we can believe in and follow implicitly.
Outline:
1. The Magi were on a king quest.
2. Their quest was successful.
3. Most people embark on such a search for ultimate meaning and authority.
4. In Christ we find a king to whom we can give ourselves joyously and find authority for our lives.
Sermon Title: Look Up And Down
Sermon Angle: The wise men were astrologers whose business it was to look up to the heavens. It was their belief that there were heavenly powers that controlled earthly events. They held that there was a power or powers greater than those on earth and a basic interconnection between stellar and earthly events. In other words, they viewed reality through a wide--angled lens. Yet their eyes weren't so filled with star dust that they couldn't recognize transcendent reality in a very lowly and earthly shape and form. They fell down at the feet of a peasant child, not yet weaned from his mother's breasts, and paid him kingly homage.
Outline:
1. The wise men continually looked up to the stars.
2. Their transcendent vision set them on an earthly quest for meaning and authority.
3. Christians look up to the Word of God for light; we look down on the earth and find him.
4. In Christ we see the light of God's presence and fall down to worship our king.
__________
Star Dust
Did you know that precious metals, such as silver, platinum and gold, are literally made from star dust? These elements were not formed within the earth but are the products of dying stars. At least that's the information I gleaned from "The Learning Channel." Apparently the core of these stars became so dense that gravity caused them to collapse in upon themselves in a cataclysmic explosion that sent tons of star dust to other places. Gravity pulled these clouds of star dust together in a process that leads to the birth of a new star or planet. Think of it! That band of gold around your finger is the stuff of stars. Indeed, the elements of which our bodies are made is also the stuff of stars. In some mysterious sense we are star children, both physically and spiritually. When the wise men laid before the Christ child their treasure of gold, they were giving him star dust, the substance of another world that had been reborn. It made a fitting gift for the One who had come from the eternal God and would one day return to the eternal God, who was himself the light of God's presence.
__________
Sermon Title: Mission Mandate: Follow The Light!
Sermon Angle: The Magi followed the star in hopes of finding the promised king. They didn't have much light and they didn't know where it would lead them but they followed the light provided them and it led them to the King of kings.
Outline:
1. The wise men were not God's covenant people, yet they saw the star and followed the light.
2. All people have some of the light of God's truth but they don't all follow the light (not even some who have seen the light of Christ).
3. Have we embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to follow the light and worship the One who is the Light of the World?
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1--6, 9 (E)
The light of God's glory has been shed on the chosen nation and all the people who live in darkness will be drawn to the light, together with Israel's scattered citizens. Their neighboring realms will pour their wealth into Israel - gold and frankincense.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12 (C, E); Ephesians 3:2--3a, 5--6 (RC)
The mystery of the gospel, withheld from former generations, has now been revealed in Christ to all people, including the Gentiles. All believers are members of the Household of Faith and have direct access to God.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12 (C, RC, E)
The visitation of the Magi.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 72:1--7, 10--14 (C); Psalm 72 (E) - A prayer for the reign of God's righteous king.
Psalm 71 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
O Light of the World, lead us through the darkness of our ignorance and sin into the light of your love and grace. There let us bow at your feet and present to you the gifts that you deserve. In Jesus' name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6
Arise and shine. The city of Jerusalem had been raped and pillaged by her enemies but is ordered to "rise and shine." The light of God's presence will cause her to sparkle again. Those who destroyed her will also restore her glory and luster. The Lord is the source of her glory and was about to make his presence known in his land.
The new Jerusalem. The old Jerusalem had been destroyed by enemies in punishment for apostasy. God had removed his glorious presence and the nation was led captive. The Lord was now re--establishing his presence in the holy city. It would not be the same city as before; the Lord was establishing something new. Unfortunately, the new Jerusalem would fall victim to the same old problems. The Revelation of John picks up on the concept of the new Jerusalem but portrays it as an eschatological event. The new Jerusalem becomes a symbol of the kingdom of heaven.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12
Proclaiming the mystery. The word "mysterion" can be interpreted "secret." Paul relates that Christ called him to reveal the mystery of the gospel. The content of that mystery is that salvation through Christ is offered to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. That intention of God had not previously been known. The secret is out and God offers salvation to all.
Mystery religions. Mystery religions pervaded the ancient Near East. Their life centered around secret religious rites and ceremonies that told the myth story of the god or goddess. Only those initiated into the cult could participate in the rites, called mysteries. Many such religions had initiatory rites employing water or blood and sacred meals, by which the worshiper communed with the god or goddess. Mystery religions pried religion free from its traditional association at that time with state and family and made it a matter of personal choice. Christianity shares in many of the characteristics of a mystery religion but there are profound differences. The central story (myth) is based on historical reality, on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Secondly, Christianity has no secret rites or ceremonies. The mystery has been revealed concerning how God redeems sinners and grants them eternal life (Ephesians 3:3--5).
Made a minister (v. 7). Paul was made a minister or servant of the gospel by the grace of God. He hadn't earned it (v. 8). All Christians are made ministers in our baptism. What does it take to make a minister? The grace of God and a willingness to serve in his name.
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12
Magi. The Magi, meaning astrologer, has traditionally been rendered "Wise Men." It is believed that they came from Babylonia, Persia or Arabia. They were probably of a priestly cast and were familiar with the Hebrew prophecies of a redeemer--king. The appearance of the heavenly luminary was taken as a sign of the fulfillment of the prophecies.
A sign positive and negative. When Simeon spoke to Jesus' parents in the temple, he referred to the baby as a sign that would be "spoken against" (Matthew 2:34). For the Magi, the sign of the star was a positive sign. They came to worship the new king (v. 2). Herod and other central figures in Jerusalem viewed this birth with fear and suspicion (v. 3). The birth of Christ continues to be a mixed sign; some see it as the promise of the righteous reign of God, while others view it as an acute threat to their own plans and schemes.
Faith journey. The Magi traveled on a faith journey. When they embarked from their homeland, they didn't know exactly where the star would lead them. They had no certainty that they would find the newborn king but they took the risk and their faith was rewarded. Contemporary faith trekkers have an advantage over the Wise Men; we know the identity of our king. The object of our journey is not to find our king but to follow our king into uncharted territory. Our faith journeys still entail risk and uncertainty.
The joy of journey's end. When the Magi found the object of their search, their hearts exploded with rapturous joy expressed in worship (vv. 10--11). Envision the unutterable joy that will flood our hearts when we complete our earthly faith journey and gaze into the face of our Lord and king.
They opened their treasures (v. 11). No act of worship is complete without opening our treasures and laying them at the feet of the One we call Savior and Lord.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 60:1--6
Sermon Title: Arise And Shine!
Sermon Angle: The captives are ordered to arise, like the sun, and shine. How could they when the darkness of death clung to their souls like a wet garment? The glory of the Lord shone upon them. God was the source of their light and after a long night of sorrow was about to dawn upon them. The people of God do not have to manufacture the light, merely reflect it.
Outline:
1. After a long night of captivity, the day of favor had dawned.
2. The Jews were to reflect the Lord's redemptive light.
3. The light of salvation is revealed in Christ.
4. Arise from spiritual slumber, turn your face to Jesus, and shine for all to see.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 3:1--12
Sermon Title: The Gospel: An Open Secret
Sermon Angle: The word for "mystery" interprets in English as secret. Paul discusses the mystery that was revealed to him (v. 3). Possessing a secret can be exciting. Such knowledge makes a person feel important and possibly a little smug. The real joy comes not from possessing the secret but in sharing it. It was Paul's privilege to share the secret of salvation for all people. For many the grace of God remains a mystery (secret). The mission of the church impels us to share the mystery of the gospel with all who will hear. It's an open secret.
Outline:
1. Explain the meaning of the word "mystery."
2. We have an important mission - life and death information to share.
3. Share the secret of salvation - share the joy!
Gospel: Matthew 2:1--12
Sermon Title: The Quest For The King
Sermon Angle: The wise men journeyed to find the one born king of the Jews. They reasoned that such a one could be found in the palace of a king. So they visited King Herod. The wise men of Herod's court informed them of the scriptural prophecies that this king was to be born in Bethlehem. Most people are searching for their king, for a person or a cause to which they can gives themselves. They have given their hearts to a political ideal or party, to a guru or teacher or some other authority figure. Such obeisance has often led to destruction and death. We have found a king that we can believe in and follow implicitly.
Outline:
1. The Magi were on a king quest.
2. Their quest was successful.
3. Most people embark on such a search for ultimate meaning and authority.
4. In Christ we find a king to whom we can give ourselves joyously and find authority for our lives.
Sermon Title: Look Up And Down
Sermon Angle: The wise men were astrologers whose business it was to look up to the heavens. It was their belief that there were heavenly powers that controlled earthly events. They held that there was a power or powers greater than those on earth and a basic interconnection between stellar and earthly events. In other words, they viewed reality through a wide--angled lens. Yet their eyes weren't so filled with star dust that they couldn't recognize transcendent reality in a very lowly and earthly shape and form. They fell down at the feet of a peasant child, not yet weaned from his mother's breasts, and paid him kingly homage.
Outline:
1. The wise men continually looked up to the stars.
2. Their transcendent vision set them on an earthly quest for meaning and authority.
3. Christians look up to the Word of God for light; we look down on the earth and find him.
4. In Christ we see the light of God's presence and fall down to worship our king.
__________
Star Dust
Did you know that precious metals, such as silver, platinum and gold, are literally made from star dust? These elements were not formed within the earth but are the products of dying stars. At least that's the information I gleaned from "The Learning Channel." Apparently the core of these stars became so dense that gravity caused them to collapse in upon themselves in a cataclysmic explosion that sent tons of star dust to other places. Gravity pulled these clouds of star dust together in a process that leads to the birth of a new star or planet. Think of it! That band of gold around your finger is the stuff of stars. Indeed, the elements of which our bodies are made is also the stuff of stars. In some mysterious sense we are star children, both physically and spiritually. When the wise men laid before the Christ child their treasure of gold, they were giving him star dust, the substance of another world that had been reborn. It made a fitting gift for the One who had come from the eternal God and would one day return to the eternal God, who was himself the light of God's presence.
__________
Sermon Title: Mission Mandate: Follow The Light!
Sermon Angle: The Magi followed the star in hopes of finding the promised king. They didn't have much light and they didn't know where it would lead them but they followed the light provided them and it led them to the King of kings.
Outline:
1. The wise men were not God's covenant people, yet they saw the star and followed the light.
2. All people have some of the light of God's truth but they don't all follow the light (not even some who have seen the light of Christ).
3. Have we embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to follow the light and worship the One who is the Light of the World?
