Sermon for the Epiphany of Our Lord (Observed)

Herod is not particularly religious. He feigns being Jewish, but isn’t. He has no piety at all, or interest in the scripture. He hires people to do that for him. But Herod must deal with the fact of this king of the Jews being born. It is not something which is left for theologians to debate, but is right there, affecting his very livelihood and life.

Epiphany shows us that a light has come into the darkness of the world. Jesus Christ is that light that shines in the darkness. When a light shines in the darkness either you come near to it, or you hate it and run into the shadows. You either embrace the light or wish everything to still be covered. Epiphany means that all must reckon with the fact of this light, Jesus Christ, shining in the darkness of the world and the darkness of our hearts. Epiphany means there is ONE religion, and everyone must deal with that fact, whether to love it or hate it.