The Unauthorized Homily

By Bill Dunn

A commentary on the Scripture readings from the Sunday Lectionary

(Scripture readings for Sunday, January 3rd: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12)

THE JOY OF JESUS

This week is the feast of Epiphany, where the church celebrates the incarnation and manifestation of God to the world in the person of Jesus Christ. Representing “the world” in the Gospel reading this week are the Magi, the mysterious visitors from the east, often called the Wise Men or “The Three Kings” (not to be confused with “The Four Tops” or “The Five Satins”).

No one is quite sure how far the Magi traveled to reach Bethlehem. In those day—without trains, planes, automobiles, or Interstate highway systems—traveling more than 20 miles was a major hike. We do know the Magi were not Jews. They were not from Palestine, which means they had been on one seriously long road trip.

They first went to Jerusalem and said to King Herod, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” Just imagine Herod’s shock at hearing this. He considered himself “King of the Jews,” and since no son had been born to him recently he naturally took the Magi’s words as a grave threat to his royal reign. Tragically, Herod’s lust for power turned into a lust for blood when he ordered all boys in the Bethlehem region two years old and younger to be slaughtered. (See Matthew 2:16-18.)

The Bible explains that the Magi continued to follow the star, which moved on and finally stopped over the place where the child was. We read: “They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.”

The Three Wise Men were the very first Gentiles to be “overjoyed” at being in the presence of Jesus—a sign His divine mission was truly universal. I’m not sure the Magi understood exactly who Jesus was, or why they felt so much joy, but they could not deny there was something special about being in His presence. They were filled with a sense of peace and joy, wonder and awe.

Maybe later on the Magi learned that the reason God became incarnate, the reason He took on human flesh and walked the earth, was to reconcile sinful mankind back to Himself. The bitterness of sin and death which had infected humanity since Eden was finally being vanquished. The huge gulf separating holy God and sinful man was finally being bridged.

If there has ever been a good reason to be “overjoyed,” this is it.

But we must not make the mistake of thinking the joy of Jesus was only available during his brief 33 years on earth. He is God, don’t forget. Although His physical body ascended back into Heaven when His mission was completed, He still lives and reigns and is present in the hearts of all believers—among other places.

Jesus himself made this very clear. He said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). He also said, just before returning to Heaven, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The joy of being unconditionally loved, the joy of being totally forgiven—past, present, and eternal future—is available to each one of us right now. The joy of knowing that our lives have meaning and that the Creator of the Universe has prepared a spectacular heavenly home for us is well within our reach. All we need to do is surrender our prideful, stubborn will and let Jesus’ spirit guide us from the inside out.

Unfortunately, far too many people, even church-going believers, would rather be in complete control of their lives. The spirit of our modern age, which urges people to “take charge” and “make it happen” and “look out for Number One,” is more attractive and makes more sense than the Gospel message, which urges people to “die to self” and “be humble” and “give rather than receive.”

So, in an attempt to find fulfillment on their own, many folks pack their lives with lots of fleeting pleasures, but no lasting peace. They have lots of toys, but no tranquility; lots of money, but no meaning; lots of responsibility, but no rest; lots of success, but no satisfaction.

All the while, true peace, fulfillment, and joy stare them right in the face, in the person of Jesus, who pleads, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Twenty centuries ago the Magi were filled with the joy of Jesus. They came unto Him and their lives were forever changed. That same joy is still present; it is available to all who also come unto Him and have their lives forever changed.

The joy of Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift the world has ever seen. It is the gift of a loving God who cares so much about mankind that He sent His only Son to save the world. Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Let’s pray that earth will receive its King.

©2009