"From Tradition to Adventure."

January 6 marks the visit of the Wise Men, those Magi reported in Matthew's Gospel, who left the comforts of home in pursuit of some new insight about God, in search of His revelation. The sermon, based on the only account of their visit in Matthew 2:1-12 is titled "From Tradition to Adventure." These men journeyed from what is now Iran to Israel, following a star, looking for a new revelation, a new insight, a new understanding of God. And they brought gifts to the Christ child. That's the real challenge of these Magi-- to stay in pursuit of the possibility that something "New" and wonderful about God, and His care for us may yet be learned. To find ways to use the gifts that God has given us; and in using them, to return them to Christ. That pursuit keeps our religion-- and us-- from growing stale-- it keeps us out of a rut-- it keeps us moving in the right ways in our spiritual development. And so the cycle of the Christian calendar continues; we live in an established religion, but one that challenges us to grow in faith and service at Plymouth Church.