Epiphany
January 6, 2013

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

Our first reading is from Isaiah’s invitation to praise, in chapter 60! 

[The prophesies in the book of Isaiah cover three critical periods of Jewish
history. Isaiah “of Jerusalem,” as I like to say, spoke his warnings and
promises while Judah and Jerusalem still stood. (His message is in Chapters
1 to 39; under four kings of Judah from about 742 to 687 BC/BCE)
A second Isaiah, preaching to the Exiles in Babylon, from 586, gave us
the wonderful chapters 40 to 55[2]. At least one other voice carries on the
message during the exhausting rebuilding period after the Return from Exile,
(beginning in 538.)] 

Chapters 56 to 59 have warnings and challenges, then, in chapter 60, comes a
promise of renewed light, wholeness and wealth. That it speaks to us of the
Magi at the Manger adds to its charm and power for us,[3] though Isaiah is
speaking of caravans of valued goods In today’s world of financial and
other crises, we may appreciate the example of warning before a too-easy,
cheap promise of success or grandeur in a tension and war-torn world. 

(The references to Kedar, Nabaioth [plural?], Midian and Ephah seem to be to
flocks and herds. Sheba would have special meaning from the collective
memory of Bilqis, Queen of Sheba, and her visit to Solomon.)

Let’s listen, as this (third) Isaiah sings in Isaiah 60:1-6

(You may wish to hold your acclaim to follow the Gospel reading, or use
traditional words, or say something like: “ May we hear the warnings and
promise in what God is doing in our world, today. Amen.”)



The suggested Psalm is in harmony with the Isaiah vision, emphasizing
righteousness, justice, and tribute. (Tarshish refers to a mining and
shipping centre; Tarshish and the islands are in the far West; Sheba and
Seba in the far South. The reference to kings may have influenced the
understanding of the Magi as kings!)

Let’s…
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 (VU p.790, Parts One and Two)
Of Solomon.



The Epistle reading is from Ephesians. (If we looked closely at authorship
of the book of Isaiah, we may want to look at the author of the Epistle to
the Ephesians, as well. Some implicitly accept Paul’s authorship, as the
reading indicates. Others compare the words in Ephesians with Paul’s normal
writing, and come to a different conclusion. Whether it is Paul, or an
unknown author writing in Paul’s spirit, the author reminds us of our
one-ness in Christ, and our hope through the Good News. 
Let’s listen, as if to a letter written to us, in Ephesians 3:1-12

May we rejoice in the riches of Christ, far beyond our ability to analyze or
understand.



In the Gospel reading, we have the story of wise ones from the East,
students of mathematics and of the stars. It is not the historical
accuracy[4] that counts so much as the meaning for us: that Jesus is
honoured by these wise and rich Gentiles, that the connection with Bethlehem
and the family of David is clear, that it is given a historical setting, and
that the gifts suggest royalty, priesthood, and sacrifice: a summary of
belief in Christ! 

(BTW, I understand the magi to have been an ancient line of priests who
studied astrology and dreams. This may relate to the report of strange
behaviour of the star, which relates more to its meaning than its study. )
Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in:
(or: Let us listen closely for the Good News for us in Matthew 2:1-12

May we rejoice in bringing our gifts and adoration to the Holy Child. Amen. 

It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise. 

Notes:

 Double spaced, or space and a half, to make reading easier, following the
example of announcers, etc.?
 Including the Servant Songs, which speak to us powerfully of Jesus. 
 Ephah, a city named for a son of Midian and grandson of Abraham (Gen.
25:4), and within the land of Midian (!) known for camels and/or
dromedaries;
 We speculate about three kings on camels, none of which is in Matthew’s
account, but speculation from the three gifts, the costliness of the gifts,
and, possibly, the reference in Isaiah to the camels of Midian and Ephah!


(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)