January 4, 2026 at Saint Peter the Apostle and Saint William Parishes in Naples, FL
Isaiah 60: 1-6 + Psalm + Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6 + Matthew 2: 1-12
In the first four chapters of the Gospel of Matthew, all the names of Jesus Christ are put before us. First the name, “Christ” comes at the end of the Genealogy that centers upon being the anointed one as David was anointed in the Book of Exodus. Then in dream, Joseph is told to give the child the name, “Jesus”, which means, “God Saves.” Then Matthew reaches back to the prophet Isaiah calling Jesus “Emmanuel” which mean God is with us. With the story we tell today, another name is given: “King of the Jews.” Interestingly, that name will not be spoken again in Matthew’s Gospel until Pilate speaks at a trial. One last title or name is yet to be affirmed, and that will come next weekend.
For now, it is King that matters, and the news that a real king has been born in the royal city of Bethlehem from which came King David, frightens King Herod. There is a threat here because Herod is not a real king. He is a usurper. He has no right to the throne. He seized it by murder, and the presence of someone who does have a right throws him into a spasm of violence. Suddenly, good news becomes bad news. The old order, the old kind of power and authority that uses fear, threats, and violence is finished. A new kind of King who rules by love and whose authority comes from service and the care of others is on the rise. Dark days are fading as light and hope comes from Bethlehem.
For us, there is here a lesson on power and authority, what it should look like if it comes from God, and how it should work. Slowly we have seen our Church embrace this revelation in our own life-time. The days of throwing people out with excommunications, of threatening hell fire as a motive for doing the right thing rather than love have gone. We have seen a new face of authority in leaders who serve the poor, embrace the lost and draw those on the margins into the embrace of the church. One day, we may see this same face of authority and leadership around the world when civil leaders with power and authority set aside threats and fear to reach out, embrace, comfort and respect everyone who stands before them.
At the heart of all of this there comes the inspiration that springs from the prophet who promised Emmanuel. We have sung it over and over again: Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and we have just celebrated as best we can the birth of this child called: “God Saves.” It is almost too much to hope for, to understand, and to hang on to.
For me there is a name and three words that hold up my hope, give me peace, and give me light on the darkest of days. “Emmanuel:” Three words: Godwith us! Think of it, God with us. We have the ultimate companion revealed to us in Jesus Christ as forgiving love and a life-giving spirit. The last words of Matthew’s Gospel are: I will remain with you always. Then there is God WITH us. Not reigning from an imperial throne or some distant heaven. God is WITH us living, walking beside us, listening, holding, protecting. And finally, God with US. No matter where we are, who we are, what color we are or where we are from, it is us that God has come to be with.
This Epiphany day invites us all to face the stunning reality of Emmanuel. God With Us. This Epiphany day urges us to decide what it is we will follow in this new year urging us to set off toward it with the bold and adventurous hope that can only spring from faith.