Epiphany Sermon, Jan. 6, 1896, Marion, Ohio

1896

An exceedingly able sermon was preached at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Sunday morning by Rev. J. W. Armstrong, who took his text from Matthew 2:1-2, "Now when Jesus was born in Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men — Magi — from the East to Jerusalem, saying: 'Where is He that is born King of the Jews, for we have seen a star in the East and have come to worship Him.'"

The speaker said that the unceasing current of time ever carrying us onward has brought us to the Epiphany. "Epiphany means the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. It has been celebrated and observed in the church since the second century.

"The idea of exclusiveness was among the Jews, but the real idea shows Him in this manifestation for all nations. The One born King of the Jews has become sovereign of the world. Though born a Jew His mission is for all men — all nations, for the Epiphany shows that He is to have universal dominion.

"The gospel of Christ shows that spiritual dignity rests not upon spiritual descent but upon spiritual character. The symbol of exclusiveness is shown in the rite of circumcision and this was exchanged for baptism, the symbol of universality.

"These Magi, or Magicians, were priests or scholars of the East. Their science led them to the new King just as the shepherds were led by a carol-song. By attention to their calling they discover and are led by the star to the infant Jesus. The inquiries of Herod and of the religious men of Jerusalem brought them nothing. The re-appearance of the star satisfied them, and so often we are disappointed in turning to the kings and priests of the world in our inquiries, but if we look up and learn of heaven we will be guided as these were.

"As the star of God was on before the Magi, so is the star of God on before each of us."

As to the Gentile expectation, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews?", Mr. Armstrong said: "Astronomy arises out of man's need of religion — out of his efforts to read the secrets of the heavens. This craving of the Gentiles expresses yearning for light and knowledge. The wish for light — the expectation of the manifestation of God, is the mystery which lies beneath the history of the whole ancient world."

In speaking particularly of the Epiphany, he said, "It is significant that the king is found as a child — the Royal Child is the answer to their inquiries and desires — this is monarchy of divine right.

"In the adoration of the Magi, the wisdom of the world is bending before the child. 'Heaven lies about us in our infancy.' The child's view of God and the world is singular, one of wonder, beauty and goodness. Man disjoints, separates and impairs. 'When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.'

"And may not our hearts in some measure interpret that? Some there may be whose early star has disappeared and others may have followed many a star but which did not guide to life and light.

“The gifts they presented — 'gold and frankincense and myrrh' — were the most costly products of the countries from which they came. So 'tis our duty to present our best gifts."

In the evening Mr. Armstrong preached on the Epiphany also.

—The Marion Star, Marion, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1896, p. 4.