Many blessings in this New Year and into this season of Epiphany. This is a great time to open our eyes, hearts and lives to see the epiphany moments and rejoice with great joy! It is also a period to remind ourselves the gift of what Epiphany is all about: Epiphany – the manifestation/appearance of Christ to the Gentiles and a moment of sudden revelation or insight.
The wise one’s were the first people to worship Jesus as Lord. But because it took time to travel back in Jesus’ day – no GPS systems, no cars, plus – the journey was maybe 500 miles or more, it was amazing that the wise one’s kept committed to searching after the Christ child, and following the prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures. Now, when the magi saw Jesus, they worshiped Him and they brought precious gifts with them for the child, who they recognized as a king appointed not by people or family name, but by God. They had an epiphany, or a sudden insight into the true nature…..and they realized that they were in the presence of God.
Now, the wise one’s were Gentiles, but they were on the lookout for God, searching for God in Scripture, listening for God in the words of the prophets, and watching for signs of God’s revelation on earth. And through Christ, they were able to become God’s people as well. In doing so, becoming God’s people, uncovered something that was there all along, but was hiding. It wasn’t so obvious. It took a second look. The magi realized that Jesus was their king, too — it was a life-changing epiphany.
I believe we have had some Epiphany – ministry changing moments this past year at LCR as well; a new pastoral intern, sharing $6,667.29 with Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin (which included an endowment match), our city water utility line conversation (sale of land easement & now ongoing project in the nature preserve area), our very 1st successful 5-week Neighborhood Camp summer program. Now we are working on an epiphany (guiding light forward) for our staffing plan into the future, especially since Dori announced her retirement and will be leaving us in May of 2020 and Intern John has been approved for ordination and will have the opportunity to interview with congregations sometime in April. At this point, Intern John will be staying on as a Pastoral Intern until he is called to serve as a pastor at a congregation or we determine that we will be filling our next staffing position going forward.
The council leadership and I, invite you to take time to look up and see the stars, look out for where God is leading us next, rejoice exceedingly with great joy …because we are doing amazing things in the name of Jesus.
Grace & Peace – Pastor Karen Pahl