Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7. 10-14, and Ephesians 3:1-12
Epiphany is a day around January 6th every year to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ, and the baptism of Christ. As a Christian holiday, it is older than Christmas, it commemorates the wise men who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus in worship. Epiphany is celebrated on the 13th day after Christmas. “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphania, meaning appearance. Early Christians used this word to mean that light reveals itself in the darkness, that God reveals himself to Jesus, and that the glory of God is seen in Jesus. The three wise men from the east worshipped Jesus, and it was like a declaration announcing to the whole world that Jesus had come to this earth. So, on the first Sunday of the New Year, I encourage you to make this year that illuminates the world with the light of Christ.
Wars, incidents, and accidents continue to occur worldwide, which can be understood as dark. Nevertheless, God orders us to arise. Just as Jesus told the blind Bartimaeus to stand up, God tells us through the prophet to arise. The Lord asks us to arise from the situations and problems we face now. And God tells us to shine the glory and light of the Lord into the world.
As you all know, several issues have been recently in my home country. The president attempted a coup by breaking the law to keep his position. The National Assembly has impeached the president, and related trials are underway. Citizens resisted the president’s plan to mobilize the military, and demonstrations and law enforcement took place without major incidents. On the other hand, there was an airplane accident last week where an airplane exploded during landing due to a bird strike. Bad things happened one after another.
South Korea has a short history of democracy and, at the same time, a history of very rapid economic growth. So, things often happen that we don’t understand. However, in this cold winter, to support democracy and comfort the pain of the bereaved families, many people sent stoves, meals, coffee, heated buses, etc., for the bereaved families and protesters. Hundreds of young people were waving light sticks and supporting the farmers who came with tractors to participate in the protest all night. If they get cold, some people rent a bus and send them to a moving shelter to rest for a while to keep warm. Some people sent them portable batteries to charge their cell phones. Among those who could not go to the protest site, some people supported the protesters by paying for sandwiches and gimbap at a restaurant for hundreds of people.
Watching this process, I saw God created a history of empathy and solidarity among vulnerable humans. Yes. Even though I am weak and lacking, God has called us into a community of faith. All of us here at Knox Presbyterian Church are called to bring light to those who encounter a dark world. So, I ask that we all live as lights.
Let us live with God’s Marvelous Plan for salvation. Jesus Christ came to this world. The primary significance of His coming is the extension of salvation beyond Israel. God’s salvation plan extends to the Jewish and gentile faith communities. The distinction and discrimination that existed before between Jews and Gentiles will disappear. Through this, the universal church was born, initially a mystery and secret. For this matter, Paul confesses, as recorded in Ephesians: “7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.” Paul, who met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, belatedly joined God’s work. Like the Jews, we are also in the position of believers first rather than non-believers. Like the apostle Paul, who called himself an apostle to the Gentiles, we can also be messengers of the gospel to many non-believers. Gentiles and Jews join God’s salvation plan in Christ Jesus. Together, they complete an organic union. That is why Paul became an apostle to testify to the mystery of the church that he realized through the revelation he received. Also, because of his faith, he could carry out the Lord’s work boldly, even during the trials and tribulations that would follow later.
Dear friends, we are all messengers of God’s truth. We are heirs of revelation and gospel. Sometimes, I think how God brought us all together is really mysterious. God chose Paul, who had been hindering and persecuting the gospel 2,000 years ago, and used him as a messenger of the most amazing gospel. Sometimes, I am amazed at how God has allowed a person like me to study in Canada and to be called Red Deer. I dreamed of becoming a pastor, but I never imagined I would be pastoring in Red Deer. In fact, among the alumni of the Korean seminary where I graduated, I am the only pastor who does local ministry in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. My fellow pastors in Korea are amazed, and my friends in Vancouver also find it very mysterious. It was something no one had ever attempted. However, God made this possible. Right through you. And today, God is calling us again to spread the mystery of the gospel throughout the world. Right here in Red Deer. Paul’s every step planted the glory of God here and there. Likewise, today, we also try to spread God’s love here and there. In particular, the Board of Managers is planning and praying for a needed soup-making ministry in the region. We are collaborating on this at the Session and planning what is required for our church and Red Deer.
As I watched our church members volunteer in the local community, I realized that our church was not a small church. Paul confessed this in verse 8: “Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” Boundless riches of Christ. This is truly a gracious word. Countless grace and love that transcends boundaries have led us to become the Lord’s children today. And we have used the grace we have received to brighten this region through our lives and service. I believe the light of God that has illuminated us so far will shine in the lives of many people in Red Deer. And I am convinced that God wants to use us in His work and plan. Let us live together in 2025 with the abundance of God’s grace and glory. The Lord will help and strengthen us through God the Holy Spirit. I hope that the blessings of God, who makes the impossible possible, will come to your entire family.