Sunday, January 4, 2026 10:00 a.m. - Rev. Jasmine Smart

·21 min·2 clips

Wise men from the east arrive in Jerusalem asking where the newborn king of the Jews is, troubling Herod and the entire city.

The episode begins with a reading from Matthew 2, detailing the Magi's arrival in Jerusalem seeking the newborn king, which troubles Herod and the city. Rev. Smart opens with an informal poll about Christmas tree toppers, noting the focus on the star as a divine messenger. She contrasts the common cultural understanding of 'epiphany' as a sudden internal realization with the biblical view that epiphanies come from God. The sermon delves into the historical context, citing biblical scholar Warren Carter to explain Herod's fear of political replacement or uprising from Rome. Rev. Smart describes the Magi as foreign emissaries who inadvertently stir agitation in Jerusalem, using the same Greek word for terror as in the story of Jesus walking on water. She analyzes Herod's secret meeting with the Magi, where he attempts to use them as spies under the false pretense of worship. The connection to Bethlehem is highlighted through Old Testament prophecy and Matthew's genealogy, emphasizing Jesus' Davidic lineage. The Magi's obedience to the star, which acts as an agent guiding them, leads to their worship of Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Rev. Smart interprets these gifts: gold for Jesus' kingly identity, frankincense for prayer, and myrrh as a foreshadowing of his death and anointing. She notes the Magi's 'exceedingly great joy' upon seeing the star, linking it to Isaiah's prophecy about light dawning in darkness. The sermon transitions to the practice of 'star words', an alternative to New Year's resolutions where individuals receive a word as a divine gift. Rev. Smart shares personal examples, such as the word 'invite' that challenged her introversion and 'sensitivity' that resonated with her pastoral care role. She encourages listeners to choose a word for 2026 and share it with pastors. The conclusion reflects on the Magi's transformed lives, their dangerous return journey guided by starlight, and the call for humility and companionship in following God's path.

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