On Christmas Eve our church was filled with the light of over a hundred candles to remind us that Christ’s light shines and the darkness cannot overcome it.
The season of Epiphany is one of illumination and manifestation. From now until the beginning of Lent we will focus on making Christ known to the world, reading stories and hearing messages about call, prophecy, and discipleship.
We see Christ made known to us through a series of signs: a star leading the wise men to the baby Jesus; water turned into wine at Cana; the heavens opening and the Spirit descending at Jesus’ baptism in theJordan.
Even though it is the season of light, our lives still can be touched by darkness. Perhaps we are facing the challenges of ageing or illness or loneliness. I know I feel sad at this time of year with both my parents gone. I feel their absence.
And yet in the darkness signs of light are all around us reminding us that we are God’s beloved—a hand written card from a friend reminding me how much you are cherished, the love of God shining in our sanctuary each Sunday as we gather for worship, our persistence with God’s help to reach toward the light.
We gather for worship from January through March in the warmth and intimacy of the chapel. Come to worship on Sundays, preceded by Bible Study at 9 AM, and come to the prayer and meditation group on Wednesdays at 4 pm in the parlor for mid-week sustenance.
Let us listen and watch in this new year for the signs of God’s presence and love for us. Let us discover Christ within through countless acts of service. Thanks be to God.
Natalie
