ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 2, 2026
This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday, which of course means the Camel Walk (meet at Meyer Park a little before 10am). Epiphany is based on the arrival of the Magi (Wisemen), which historically was thought to be a year or two after the birth of Jesus. The story is found in Matthew’s Gospel, and it includes King Herod getting nervous. It says…
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel’” (2:3-6).
It seems strange that Herod, a man of such power and influence, would be nervous, yet he was (nervous or frightened). The birth of the child would not threaten him directly, even though the child was described as a king. In fact, Herod would live a long life and accomplish many admirable feats. Yet his way of life and his way of treating people was sort of the beginning of the end. He ruled by wielding power over people and using fear as a tool. Of course, in an almost unnoticed corner of his kingdom, a child would begin to gently undermine certain values of the Roman Empire. It makes me think about the world today, and how there is still plenty of Herod-like behavior. People still use intimidation, fear, and the threat of violence to achieve worldly prosperity. However, my faith tells me that such an approach is losing its power. There are days when it may not appear that way, but love’s victories are often subtle. The question for all of us is how will our lives participate with the undermining of the Herod-like approach? Herod was celebrated as a very successful man, yet his life did not help move the world any closer to God’s dream for creation. Will your life?
I want to be a part of what you are doing, Magnificent God. I wish for my life to be a tool of your transformative love that is revealing and embodying your dream in subtle, yet real ways. Amen.
