Brown's Daily Word 1-7-08

Good Morning.
The Russian Orthodox Church and all orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas on the January 6. It is also called Epiphany, when the Gentiles first came to Jesus to worship Him as Lord and King.
One of the most appealing Christmas stories is that of Amahl and the Night Visitors. As the three wise men were on their way to Bethlehem, they came to the home of a poor woman who had a little boy named Amahl. Amahl was crippled; he could not walk without a crutch.
One evening their humdrum existence was interrupted by a loud knocking at the door, and his mother said to Amahl, “Go see who is at the door.” He went, and he returned and said, “Momma, a king is there.” She gave him a tongue lashing for exaggerating so much and sent him back to the door; he came back a second time. He said, “There are two kings out there.” He was in big trouble now, but a third time she sent him to the door, and he told her, “Momma, there are three kings out there.”
Eventually, after all manner of discussion, the three wise men came in. After much more conversation, Amahl’s mother wished she had something to send, but she was very poor. Amahl, sensing what was happening all around him, realizing he had nothing at all to send but wanting to send something, decided, “I will send my crutch.” The one thing that was indispensable to him he was going to give away. Thus he lifted up his crutch and gave it to the wise men.
He gave what he had; he gave it personally and he gave it completely. Then a miracle occurred. His mother noticed first that he could walk unaided now. The giving away of the most valuable treasure that Amahl had was the very thing that freed him from the need of having to use it.
Matthew 2:1-12 is where the story of the three wise men coming to worship at the feet of Jesus is told. It is during this time of year, immediately following Christmas, that we commemorate this event. This week is widely celebrated as the Epiphany. It is when we remember the events directly after the birth of Jesus. It is a time when we, like the magi who followed a distant star, are reminded of the fullest meaning of the coming of Jesus.
Though they are often referred to as kings, it is probably more likely that the Magi were astrologers familiar in some way with the coming of the Messiah. They may have been descendants of some who had even come into contact with the Messianic prophecies during the Babylonian captivity of the Nation of Israel some centuries prior to the birth of Christ. Whatever their background, they were wise men from the East who were provoked to action by a star which signaled Christ’s birth. They came to worship at the feet of the newborn King, each bearing a uniquely valuable gift.
The Magi came before Jesus bearing gifts of incredible value. God has placed gifts of incredible value inside of each one of us. Just as the Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each of us bears unique and valuable gifts for the Kingdom of God. We are all members of one body and our gifts, whatever they may be, are meant to serve one another so that the love of Christ may shine brightly in, around, and forth – from the fellowship that we share together.
How often do we lock away our treasures for fear of loss? As followers of Christ we are given the matchless opportunity to experience the extraordinary power of God working in and thorough us. The call of Christ is a call to action! Just as the Magi saw a distant star and followed it to the baby – the King of Kings – so too God has given us a sign of His coming and a call to action.
Earlier in this message I told you of a boy who gave the only thing of value that he had to the Magi to bring to the King. He was a crippled boy who was willing to give the most valuable thing he had – his crutch – as a gift to Christ. The story continues that, as a result of his generous offer, he was healed. The message is clear. It is in sharing our most precious gifts that we find healing.
It is in loving others, in sharing our gifts, that we become free to receive the most precious gift of all – the grace, love, and mercy of Christ in our own lives.
Jesus is the Light of the world. Let us walk in His light through out this new year. Let us serve Him, with our time, with our talents and with our treasures.
Brown


THanks Pastor Brown, I needed to really hear this one too!( 01.04.2008) Please add Allyson to your prayer list at church. Did you get my email? She is in Alicante Spain. She is excited about witnessing to others there. She is looking at this as a mission trip as much as a school assignment! She is a wonderful young woman, of very strong faith. She holds me up sometimes! She will be there through May 30th, the next week her brother graduates from high school. Keep her in your prayers, please.

Tammy