Week of Epiphany
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2
The Wise Men were guided to the Christ Child by a miracle, the star in the sky that led their way. They did not head straight to Bethlehem, however; instead, they first stopped in Jerusalem. Since they were seeking the King of the Jews, it was natural for them to look first in the capital city instead of the lowly town of Bethlehem. When King Herod heard about this, he asked the chief priests and scribes where Christ would be born, and they told him in Bethlehem, quoting the prophecy in Micah.
We may think of the privilege of witnessing a miracle and how even more special it would be to see the Christ Child in the flesh. However, we are reminded by this account that we are blessed to always be able to find Christ in God’s Word. It was God’s Word that prophesied Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, and it is that same Word that reveals His Godhead. Though we haven’t seen Jesus in the flesh, we know Him through the sure and prophetic Word of God.
The wise men “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Matthew 2:10) when they finally arrived at Jesus’ modest house in Bethlehem. So also we enter into our worship when God’s word is taught in truth and purity, for it is there where we find Christ. We may not worship in a majestic cathedral or a spectacular megachurch. Maybe it’s a small church or a quiet, humble living room of like-minded Christians. Yet, there we remember Christ’s promise found in His Word: “For where two or are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:2)
The Eastern sages, bringing Their tribute gifts to Thee
Bear witness to Thy kingdom And humbly bow the knee.
To Thee the star is pointing, And the prophetic Word;
Hence joyously we hail Thee: Our Savior and our Lord!
The Lutheran Hymnal 130:2