As of January 6th, we, as the Church have entered into the season of Epiphany. And yet, there are many who have no real indication as to what this season is all about. It may help to realize that if Advent is a time of waiting, as in Jesus’ first and second coming, then Epiphany is about beginnings. 

    Just as the secular world celebrates new beginnings with the New Year each first of January. Epiphany, in the life of the Church, embraces the beginnings of Jesus’ life and his ministry to the world.

    And much like Advent, Epiphany also has two expressions. Western Christianity tends to focus traditionally on the “Revelation to the Gentiles” mentioned in Luke 2:22-38. This is  where the term Gentile means all non-Jewish peoples. In Matthew 2:1-12, the Biblical Magi, represented the non-Jewish peoples of the world, who paid homage to the infant Jesus in stark contrast to Herod the Great (King of Judea), who sought to kill him. At the same time there is a focus on the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river (Mark 1:9-15), and Jesus’ first miracle at the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11).

    At it’s heart Epiphany deals with the appearing or the revealing of Jesus as God’s Son to the world and everyone in it.

    Beginnings are not new to the life of the Church or our own lives as well. For some, each day is a new beginning full of possibilities and blessings. Opportunities to change, to grow, to start over, to leave behind, and to be blessed in the doing of it.

    What revelation or revealing does this New Year hold for you?

    Well it be as bright as a star shinning high above, leading you, guiding you in the direction that you need to go?

    Well it be a prophetic word spoken by a stranger that will help you understand your purpose in this world?

    Could it be something like a dove descending from above, speaking a clear message of what it is you need to do?

    Well it be some miracle that you have the privilege to encounter, that enables you to see God at work in this world?

    To paraphrase the Psalm, “This is the (year) that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

    While we cannot know for sure what all is in store for us, we can walk it in faith, hope, and love. The Apostle Paul shares some very appropriate words for anyone venturing into this new year. In Philippians 3:12-16, he says:

    “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”

    “So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” (The Message)

    Likewise, while I may not be able to see exactly what is unfolding before us here at First Christian Church. What I do know is that in this coming year you will experience the beginnings of a new ministry, with a new minister. So let us strive together in these days ahead, reaching out in Christ, embracing all that God has in store for us, seeking a clearer understanding of the mission and ministry this congregation can provide both inside and outside as a community of faith.

    “Have A Blessed New Year!”