The Paradox of Glory
“Homage at the Manger”
January 5, 2025
Epiphany
Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Teer Hardy
Paying homage to someone is no small task. As we hand our whole selves over to Christ, it can feel like a quid pro quo. We can think that before we receive Christ, we must give or do something extraordinary. After all, we live across the river from the quid pro quo capital of the world. Some might tell you that you need to pray a certain prayer, never miss a Sunday worship service or give a certain percentage before taxes before you can truly pay homage and be received by Christ. The paradox that remains is that the need to do has been done by the One who was laid in the manger.
So, like the magi, in bringing ourselves – to include our doubts, fears, and failures – we can assume a posture of homage and embrace the paradox of this epiphany because the child in the manger, the messiah on the cross, the One who walked out of his borrowed grave has already welcomed you.
This is not an easy task. We want our questions answered, our brokenness fixed, and our doubts erased before we can first offer praise. Still, Christ invites us to come because God has made the first move toward us through the child in the manger.
