Break Open the Word

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ - 6 January 2011 Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 St. Matthew 2:1-12                                                                                     Background: The Epiphany Regretfully, we often associate the Epiphany only with the visit of the Magi, or easily associate Christmas Day with the West and Epiphany with the East.   In the ancient Church, the Epiphany was a feast that celebrated the manifestation (Epiphany) of Jesus to the world (which celebrated both the birth and baptism of Jesus).   When...

The Holy Name of Jesus - 1 January 2011 Numbers 6:22-27 Psalm 8 Philippians 2:5-11 St. Luke 2:15-21                                                                                     Background: Name The power of a name was a concept that was common in the ancient near east.   Ceremonies, commands, and spells were often done “in the name of” a god or goddess.   Early Judaism was not unaware of this, and often the name of God was appended to a person’s name to indicate their allegiance or reliance on the divinity.   Thus we have Israel (the el calling to m...