Gifts for the King of Light

 Isaiah 60: 1-6, Matthew 2: 1-12

 Isaiah is sharing a vision of a restored Israel. Into the darkness your light – the glory of the Lord will rise upon you. He tells of not only nations but of kings will come to this light. He talks about the restoration of all they have lost. Nations will bring camels and food from the sea. Interestingly the kings will come and bring gold and frankincense and proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Does gold and frankincense ring a bell and the statement that kings will present it? Yes it goes with our Matthew passage we all celebrate of the Three Wise Men presenting gifts to the young Jesus. We just had Epiphany Sunday where we celebrate these men, their gifts, and yes their worship and praise of Jesus. Did these men read the book of Isaiah or did Isaiah see them in his vision? They consult with the scribes and chief priests who direct them to Micah 5:2 which states the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem.

A light is spoken of as a star which marks the place where Jesus lives. Appropriately it is lighting the true light Isaiah spoke of – Jesus the one who is the light of the world. These three wise men considered by many as kings do bring gold and frankincense even though Isaiah doesn’t mention the myrrh. This light will be like a shepherd to God’s people. Ironically, these foreigners recognize Jesus as the light to overcome the darkness. Yet his chosen people the Jews reject him. Isaiah tells them to lift up their eyes and look around, yet they fail to see this light.

I think of the Christmas song, In the Bleak of Midwinter which talks about the cold and dark winter days where a light appears in the birth of Jesus. Even in our darkest days when nothing seems to be going right, Jesus is there for us shining his love. As a shepherd he will lead and protect us.

What are the gifts we can give the King of Light? The song says, “I can give my heart.” How in your faith are you allowing God’s light to shine in your heart leading you to share his light of love to all you encounter. May we give the gift of our service to this King of Light. Amen.

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