Pre-recorded Service for Sunday of Epiphany
led by Rev Kofi Amissah.
Please see link below
https://youtu.be/AOsF81VEi_Y

HOW FAR ARE WE WILLING TO GO AND HOW MUCH ARE WE WILLING TO GIVE?

Text: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from
the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” …On coming to the house, they
saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they
opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew
2:1-2, 11).
Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Hymn: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning (StF 227)

One of the important aspects of the visit of the wise men is the distance they might have
travelled to see Jesus. Though the focus has mostly been on the gifts they brought, the distance
is as important as the gift. Both tell of their commitment to see Christ and to worship the newborn King of the Jews was to them.

Travelling this far meant they were leaving their trade and livelihood unattended for many
days. They were travelling many miles across mountains and valleys, sometimes getting lost
and rediscovering their route. It is not clear if they all set off from the same place, but they all
followed the same star. Even when they entered Herod’s palace, they put their lives at stake.
Yet they were willing to go all that far to see Jesus. Also, the gold, frankincense, and myrrh
they brought were very expensive and significant gifts, which, indicated how much they
understood Jesus’ ministry: king, priest, saviour (through death). But these gifts and their
expensive nature also indicated how much they valued Jesus. The child whose star had
appeared was most important to them so that they gave their best: time, treasure and even their
leisure, to worship him.

How much are we willing to give of our time, treasure, and leisure? How far are we willing to
go for Christ? Sometimes our devotion is cold, our dedication is half hearted, and we are too
concerned with our time when we come to worship. In 2021 and beyond, let us learn from the
wise men and give our best and go the farthest to build intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Amen.