A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church at the 10:30am service on Sunday, Epiphany I, January 9, 2005. Please read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6.

As we enter the season of Epiphany, we are reminded of the manner in which Christ’s divinity was manifested, or made known, to the whole world. The chief story from the Bible during this season is the account of the wise men following the star to Bethlehem where they found the child Jesus. For the wise men, it was the light of the star that made Christ known to them. But what about today? How is Christ revealed to humanity in our own time? Saint Paul tells us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the light that shines in the darkness of this world. “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).

Humanity, apart from the grace of God, is blinded to who Jesus really is. For the person who is subject to sinfulness, refusing to be obedient to God’s rule, it is as if he or she is physically blind and unable to perceive what is directly in front of him or her. As the apostle writes, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Cor. 4:3-4).

Thankfully, God does not leave us in our blindness; but he changes our predicament. He takes away our blind eyes and gives us new sight that we may perceive the reality of Jesus Christ. Just as God created the world by commanding light to come into existence out of darkness, so His word brings light to our blind hearts. This is why Paul is committed to preaching the gospel, for through the message of the gospel God brings salvation to the world. Paul’s says in this regard, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5).

As we draw closer to Christ, we draw closer to the light. We are able to see clearly what love has shown to us in Jesus Christ and how we are to live in service to him. Let us ask God to take away any darkness and blindness that remains in our lives that we may be bearers of this same Light to others. 
Amen.