BRINGING OUR GIFTS

Dr. Richard J. Henderson January 6, 2002

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Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14
Matthew 2: 1-12

Introduction

In American society Christmas is over on Dec 25th. The big sales the next day are the "after Christmas sales," and a sign that Christmas is done and we need to start getting ready for New Years Eve.

Oh yes, there is some quaint recollection of the twelve days of Christmas from an old carol, but nobody thinks much of Christmas after the presents are opened, the meals eaten, the wrapping paper picked up, and the lights turned out that night.

It's all over for another year, and time to look ahead to the next events. We need to prepare for New Years Eve and New Years Day.

In the Christian calendar the Christmas season ends today - with Epiphany. This is the completion of the twelve days of Christmas. In some traditions people even give a gift on each one of the twelve days, so that Christmas is not just a day but a season - a series of days - and Christmas giving goes on the whole time. Then, when we come to the twelfth day - Epiphany - we celebrate the Wise Men bringing their gifts to the Christ child.

I

The story is very familiar now. The Wise Men came from the East. Following a brilliant star, they try to find their way to the one who is King of the Jews. These Magi are Persians or Babylonians from the priestly class who are said to be experts in astrology and interpreting dreams. They travel this long distance in order to show reverence and honor to the new king.

And they come bringing gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh. All three are especially appropriate for royalty: gold for its value as a metal, frankincense and myrrh because they are expensive, aromatic resins with religious and medical uses, that aren't found in Palestine.

These are royal gifts fit for a newborn king.

But the Magi also bring themselves. These are important people who travel a great distance to see the Christ-child. They make this journey at no small risk to themselves.

Obviously, they aren't sure where they are going. They have to stop and ask Herod for directions. They don't have a map, they are following a star they have seen and trusting it will lead them where they want to go. But they make the journey, uncertain where they are headed, and with lots of risks on every side, because they want to worship this child.

II

This Epiphany we bring our gifts too. We offer what we have, and who we are to Christ. Like the Magi we come, not sure where the path will take us, and sometimes at some risk, to offer our gifts to our Lord. Sometimes it's a treacherous journey. Will people make fun of our beliefs? Will they think we're strange or odd? Sometimes it can be a difficult path to travel.

For us the gifts we bring are talents we have been given and nurtured. And our gifts involve time - a precious commodity today - the giving of ourselves to worship God or serve other people. We also bring our treasures - support for our journey and the journeys of others.

One of the gifts we bring is energy. Not only that we serve God enthusiastically, but that other people have a chance to see what that commitment means in our lives.

III

So it is appropriate on this Epiphany to ordain and install new officers. With all the rest of us, they offer themselves today in service to Christ. They have been chosen by the Holy Spirit through the voice of this congregation to serve important roles in the church as elders and deacons.

In the Presbyterian Church it is very clear that the difference between those who are ordained (ministers, elders and deacons) is a difference of function, not one of value or goodness.

It isn't that ministers, elders, or deacons are better than other members of the church; it's just that they have been called to do particular tasks. We are all of equal value to God; some have just been given specific jobs to do.

So today these people have come to offer their gifts. They come offering themselves for service that needs to be done, for important decisions that must be made, for help, support, and encouragement that can make a real difference. We are thankful that they have come bringing these gifts of their lives.

Conclusion

Each of our gifts is important. All of us are called to worship the Christ. Each one of us has gifts to bring. Each of our gifts is unique and important. Epiphany is a great time to recommit ourselves as we offer our gifts to Christ. Amen

Amen.

©Richard J. Henderson 2002