January 6, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 66:1-20; Luke 3:21-38

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Strange men visiting from a foreign country, stately men bowing down to a toddler, and very odd gifts being given—the Feast of Epiphany can certainly seem a bit weird, can’t it? Observed only thirteen days after Christmas, it may seem a bit of an odd celebration, with this focus on foreign visitors and the aftermath.

But isn’t this the whole point of the Son of God becoming Man? To come in the flesh for the salvation of the world? To temporarily veil the Glory of God in Jesus so that He may fulfill all of God’s Law for us?

That’s what the gifts from the foreign visitors mean, too. They point to Jesus’s work for us and for our salvation. Gold, a gift fitting for a king, the one who rules in power and might from His throne. But this one isn’t only a king. He also serves as priest (and ultimately the perfect sacrifice), so it is also proper that he be given frankincense, the aroma of which reminds people of the rising of their prayers to God’s throne, and the smoke reminding them that God receives their sacrifice. And don’t forget the myrrh. This is the most difficult one, for it is the spice and balm of death, used to obscure the smell of decay. Already as a child, Jesus is reminded of what is to come: his suffering and death for all.

In all of this, Jesus is revealed to the world as the one sent from God to be the Savior of mankind. The Wise Men certainly didn’t make this kind of journey for every royal child born; there is something exceptional here. Just as creation would later mark Jesus’ death with darkness and an earthquake, his birth was also marked and noted by creation; a star that blossomed in the sky and led them to seek out the child on a journey that lasted for many months and crossed entire empires.

All of this is done to reveal the light that no darkness can overcome. The brilliance of Christ's purifying light shines in our dark world to draw all to his saving Word and work. Christ has been revealed to the nations and to you so that you may trust that this One is your Savior and Lord.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Once far off but now invited, We approach Your sacred throne, In Your covenant united, Reconciled, redeemed, made one. Now revealed to eastern sages, See the Star of Mercy shine, Myst’ry hid in former ages, Myst’ry great of love divine. (LSB 409:2)

Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.