January 2-3, 2010
The Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-6 Matthew 2:1-12
It is not uncommon that the memories of a vacation are more lasting and vibrant than the actual event they purport to recall. With the passage of time a complete story can be woven that incorporates both the planning, the excitement, stresses and turmoil associated with arranging the get-away.
Un-planned close calls, nerve-wracking taxi rides and airport dilemmas add interest and provide a frenetic backdrop against which the vacation can sparkle. With knowing smiles and sighs of contentment cool drinks by the surf are recalled, the thrill of fresh powder at a ski resort chills the air, the magical hands of the spa masseuse makes everyone jealous and the thrill of room-service breakfast while watching the sun rise makes listeners long to have been present.
With the passage of but one week, Christmas already feels like it happened so long ago….yet his weekend we celebrate ‘Epiphany’, sometimes called ‘little Christmas’ in many countries. On this weekend we hear of the Magi, the ‘wise ones’ who followed the ‘light’ and found Jesus.
It is important to note some powerful themes: 1. They were willing to search, even if it required time and effort. 2. They were willing to look in unexpected or easily-dismissible places. 3. They were not deterred by others with ulterior plans. 4. They came, they saw….and THEY LEFT back to their own places….they did not try to linger and enjoy the moment. With the gift of time and the release of holiday pressure, what has been your Christmas experience? Was it what you planned? Did you set unattainable expectations or did you keep them reasonable? Were your days touched with joy or sorrow, happiness or frustration, smiles or anger? Were there high points or low points? Did you hear the Christmas story with newborn hope within your heart or were the Gospel words shouted down by personal failures and fears?
If these past Christmas days were a ‘vacation’, how would you weave the story and memories for passing them along to someone else? Before we rush forward into 2010 with all that it will bring let us linger for a few more hours within the stable of Bethlehem….you never know….the grace of Christmas might still be waiting to be discovered….but you might have to slow down a little bit, be willing to search, look in unexpected places…and then be willing to share what you discover with others as you get on with the rest of your life….yeah….go and follow the light and be wise men and women! Happy Epiphany!
Thank you for having shared our Christmas events with our Corpus Christi family. Special thanks are extended to all those who responded to our request for poinsettias….our Grand Hall has been transformed thanks to your loved and generosity…THANK YOU! Please take a Bulletin with you on your way home, lots of events keep right on happening….and don’t forget, as you were loved in 2009….you are loved in 2010 as well!!!!! Happy New Year!
