From the Warwick Central Baptist Church January 12, 2020 "Three Wise Women" (Matthew 2:1-12) Dr. Dan Ivins preaching

The Text Says: The church enters a period called “Epiphany,” (to shine upon) in which Matthew shows how is for the whole world. Jesus was born among Jews but the wise men proclaim that his purpose includes Gentiles too. An interlude between Christmas and Lent, Epiphany reveals another dimension of the story of God. A season of lights, symbolized by the star, featuring the astrologers from the East, representing the responses of the larger world to the Savior born in . This text calls us to be more generous to other religious traditions than our own. The Church might gain new insights into its own faith if it listens to the faith of others. Let us never forget, no faith is bad that makes people good.

“We saw his star in the East, and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2)

The Preacher Says: The church stretches Christmas out till Jan 6th when Epiphany begins. To give us some extra time to ponder what God as done among us. Matthew Chapter 2 chronologically follows the manger story. My wife describes it thusly... “A virgin birth, I can handle. But 3 wise MEN?” She may be onto something, cause nowhere does Matthew say there are 3; nor that they were men or wise. Cause wisdom has nothing to do with gender. Just “ from the East.” It does say by the time they arrived in Bethlehem, Jesus was a child & they were in a house; as he’d outgrown the manger. So each year I get a Christmas card from one of my feminist buddies. This one is no angry. It has the manger scene, with the traditional characters. The baby in the manger is surrounded by the barnyard animals. But the guys, wise men, shepherds and Joseph have stunned looks on their faces. Mary's smiling smugly giving the OK sign. Open it up and the card simply reads: It's a girl! Everybody knows the story of the 3 Wise Men. Today I want see what we can learn from 3 wise women! There’ve been many wise women in my life. The benefit of their wisdom has been invaluable. My 1st teachers were all women. At the age of 5, it was a woman who interpreted a childhood tragedy as “a call from God.” All the men wanted to do was get even. Take the women outa the church and there’d be no church! The wisest woman I’ve ever known is my Libby. But I’ve also benefitted from the wisdom of female Drs & admired women coaches like Pat Summit. So I hope ya’ll brought your imaginations with you this morning. Ever wonder how XMAS would’ve been different if the wise men had been women? Or if Jesus had been a girl? Cause if women came to the manger, you can bet they would’ve: asked for directions; arrived on time; helped deliver the baby; swept out the stable; brought practical gifts and made a casserole! (More later on what they said when they “went home a different way”). Luke is most aware of the “Steel Magnolias,” who stand-out in Jesus’ story. He emphasizes Mary’s viewpoint, with feminine wisdom at the beginning of the gospel & the end. Without them, there’d be no Christmas or Easter. Wise woman #1 is ELIZABETH (Luke 1:5-7). Besides Herod the King, Zechariah the priest and Elizabeth his wife were the 1st 2 characters mentioned by Luke. They had the ideal marriage, looking forward to the day when kids would bless their home. But time goes by, Elizabeth was blamed for her barrenness! Her empty womb bred a broken heart. Stigmatized by the taunts from small-minded church-folks, "What sin has she committed?" New brides were warned not to be like Elizabeth. She’s not someone to be esteemed. She can’t have kids. Then one day, a messenger showed up with an announcement that the aging couple would finally bear a son and were instructed to name him John. The Daddy was struck dumb, but Elizbeth lit up like a firecracker! "The Lord has taken away my reproach in the community." As if God had been humiliating her! But “at last, she’s finally gonna be a Mamma!" Some time later, she heard Mary’s young voice humming a tune, something like “Mary Did you now?” Her cousin was paying a visit, with secrets of her own. And little John’s turning somersaults inside her belly: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear" (Lk. 1:42). Wise woman #1 is kin to all who have parched places in their souls. She speaks a kind word to each. Cause she's a sister, not just to women, but anybody who’s felt the sting of rejection. People branded for something they’ve inherited; things they’ve had done to them, beyond their control. Maybe someday we’ll stop blaming people for the way they were born! Yeah the Magi brought costly gifts to the Jesus. But wise Elizabeth offered something more valuable than GOLD, namely ... the gift of hope, when things look hopeless. If you can keep on, when you don't know what's going on, you’re onto something! Wise woman #2 was MARY herself -- just an adolescent, but engaged to be married. She too was approached by a heavenly visitor & told that she’ll mysteriously conceive a “son of the Most High.” Her Son would grow up to Aoccupy the throne of David,” because "she found favor with God!" Whatever that means! It’s not like winning the lottery I can assure you! Mary pondered it a lot, but in the end, "I am the handmaiden of the Lord, let it be to me according to thy word.” The paradox of being "favored of God" for Mary meant carrying on her shoulders a ton of suffering; thinking your son’s lost his mind and watching him get crucified. Old Simeon was right-on when he predicted "a sword will pierce your soul." Mary would learn what every mother eventually knows -- having to accept that the Child she birthed is not hers to keep. Hers to raise and influence, but not to control. That authority lay elsewhere. And 1st showed up at the temple when her 12 year old said, “He must be about his Father’s business.” What’s with that? The privilege and pain of being "chosen of God" is a crown of joy, with thorns of sorrow. Negotiating those dicey boundaries made Mary wise, and sister to all who’s yes-to-God creates a struggle between the rewards and torment of all that’s entailed in being called-of-God.

The Magi brought FRANKENSENSE to the manger, but Mary gave to God the more valuable gift of obedience, even though she didn’t understand. And her Son on another day in the “Garden of Gethsemane," like his Mamma spoke to Gabriel years before: "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, Let it be to me according to thy will!" You know what happened after that. And the world’s never been the same. But I think he got it from his Mamma! Wise Woman #3 is ANNA...another female Luke associates with Jesus’ beginnings. She’s "an 84 yr. old widow, who never left the temple.” But was there to bless Mary and Joseph’s son when he was dedicated. (Lk. 2:36-38). Interesting that the first time Jesus went to church, only 2 people showed up. Didn’t he say “Where 2 or 3 are gathered…?” For 7 years, Anna was happily married. But after her husband died, rather than give up, she stood tall. Like a first century nun, she absorbed her losses and dedicated herself to hanging out at the temple “day & night.” Talk about faithful church attendance! She spent her time waiting on the Deliverer. And her patience paid off, as grief turned to praise. It fell to her to preach something God wanted said. A female preacher? When Mary and Joseph brought their 8-day old son for dedication, others saw just another kid; not worth making a fuss over. But Anna was alert and prepared. She sensed something about Mary’s Boy. And seized the moment, pouncing on the opportunity to identify the presence of God among them. Like one of those annoying smoke alarms attached to the ceiling -- that drive you crazy every time you overheat the oven. You have to wave a towel under it to shut it up! When Mary held the baby out to Simeon, he validated him, And Anna goes off like a hornBtestifying to all within the sound of her voice that God is here! Much more sensitive than her crusty ancestor Jacob, who said “The Lord was in this place but I knew it not,” Anna knew it! And said so. She’s sister to all who’ve experienced the grief of losing somebody we love; and struggle for a meaningful spiritual life amidst the craziness of this world. She had the enthusiasm that comes from preaching God's truth to those hungry for grace. We all know folks like Anna, who are single because of death or divorce or choice. Anna is sister to these too. Yeah the Wise Men brought . But Anna showed even more wisdom, in offering to God the gift of resolute faith when the odds were stacked against her. 3 wise women associated with the early days of Jesus. Except for Mary, we don’t hear much about them or their wisdom. They had no material gifts; no gold, , or myrrh. Which are useless to a kid anyway! I’m sure Jesus would rather have a nifty skateboard! But they shared gifts which we too can give if we would be wise. As we move further into the Epiphany, let us not forget our wise sisters, Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna and the unique contributions they offered to the Christ: the gifts of hope, obedience, and faith. Now I’m gonna tell ya’ll what these gals might’ve said as they left the manger. Are you ready? ADid you see the sandals she’s wearing with that gown?” “And that donkey they’re riding has seen better days.” “Well. That drummer boy can beat on my rummy-tum-tum anytime.” “Wanta bet how long it’ll take to get your casserole dish back?” “Virgin my eye! I knew her back in high school!” And last but not least: “That baby doesn’t look anything like Joseph!” And we know why! Ah the ladies. Bless their hearts. What would we do without the ladies??