Sunday, December 31, 2006
Matthew 2: 1-12
ENTERING THE SCENE:
Down through the ages we have called these visitors from afar “wise men”. A close look at the gospel however reveals that they only became wise AFTER they saw the holy family! They came looking for a king. The kind of king that would appreciate gold, frankincense and myrrh, and they found a humble family in a cave. It took the dream in which God warned them to go home another way, before they became wise. Their wisdom came from listening to the “voice” of God that emerged from within their own hearts. We visit this text to celebrate what is known as the Epiphany. They literally had their “epiphany” in those dreams and had the wisdom to respond in an uncommon way. May this year be one where we each do likewise.
DISCUSSION QUESTION: The magi listened to God’s voice in their dream and wisely avoided going back to Herod. Have you ever “slept” on a decision and received a message from God that helped you avoid making a bad decision?
Down through the ages we have called these visitors from afar “wise men”. A close look at the gospel however reveals that they only became wise AFTER they saw the holy family! They came looking for a king. The kind of king that would appreciate gold, frankincense and myrrh, and they found a humble family in a cave. It took the dream in which God warned them to go home another way, before they became wise. Their wisdom came from listening to the “voice” of God that emerged from within their own hearts. We visit this text to celebrate what is known as the Epiphany. They literally had their “epiphany” in those dreams and had the wisdom to respond in an uncommon way. May this year be one where we each do likewise.
DISCUSSION QUESTION: The magi listened to God’s voice in their dream and wisely avoided going back to Herod. Have you ever “slept” on a decision and received a message from God that helped you avoid making a bad decision?
