By: Erin M Diericx
A sermon given on Matthew 2:1-12
May my mediation of my heart and my words of my mouth be pleasing to the Lord.
Christmas time is filled with excitement of children and the hope of receiving the one thing on top of their list. Adults try to do their best to make their wishes come true, even when it requires sacrifice. As children become older and become adults, their wishes become less about tangible, physical items and more about the intangible, the greater good for the whole, the community, the whole community.
When Jesus Christ was born, the whole world received the gifts of hope, peace, and joy of knowing the Lord, of being in a relationship with the Lord. These gifts extend throughout time—before Jesus was born, during his lifetime, and after his death and resurrection. These gifts are for the wise and foolish, old and young, men and women. These gifts are for every individual who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
As the church, we celebrate the three wisemen visiting Jesus Christ, Mary, and Jospeh in their home. The three wisemen present the family with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—-gifts of immerse value to them, giving the Lord the best they had. The wisemen have heard of the Christ child who has been prophesied to be the one who will be the Savior of Israel and have come to pay respect to him with gifts. The wisemen give the child the very best they have to offer.
Like the wisemen, shouldn’t we offer Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the best of what we have? As Christians, we are asked to give of ourselves to help our neighbors, to love the other as ourselves. We are called to clothed the naked, feed the hungry, and provide shelter to the homeless, and when we do we express our love for the Lord and Savior. We are giving the Lord back what he gave us—our time, talents, and love in order to give others his gifts of hope, peace, and joy.
O Lord, we are struggling as individuals, as communities, as nations, as your children. We come to you with heavy burdens that only you can contend with.
We lift up the sick and dying. May they feel your comfort and peace, and grant those who have died entrance into your heavenly kingdom.
We lift up those who are struggling to provide the essentials of food, shelter, and clothes for their loved ones and themselves. Grant the individuals and families the courage to ask for help, and for others to answer the call.
We come together, although physically apart, as one voice, one body, because we are never truly alone, especially when we turn to you. Accept our gifts, the best we have to give, and let us adore the baby Jesus Christ with the wisemen by presenting our gifts to him. Lead us by the star to know your wisdom through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, with the Holy Spirit now and always. Amen.