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Admitting you aren't the oneLeadership is not about having all the answers.
One sign of a great leader — in my opinion — is to be bold enough to say, “I don’t have all the answers”.
Perhaps even harder, “I’m not the one to carry this task forward.”
That takes humility.
I observed the pressure some pastors and leaders place on themselves to have all the answers and to be good at everything they do. And, churches and organizations sometimes hold leaders to this level of excellence and expectation.
The fact is, however, that most of us only do a few things really well. Understanding that and being willing to admit it is an indication one is becoming a mature leader — and will actually help them be better leaders.
I love the story of King David in 1 Chronicles 28. The preceding chapters outline how David had diligently organized the kingdom, but then David humbly handed over reins to his son.
Of course, he did this at the command of God, but his speech to the people is not filled with bitterness and anger, but with encouragement and challenge to keep the vision moving forward. There are several biblical examples of this type leadership.
I love some of the succession talk that is taking place in the church world today. I’m watching as some more mature pastors help the church figure out what’s next for the church after their leadership. My friends William Vanderbloemen and Warren Bird have actually written a book on the subject.
But I think this is a daily issue. Few of us are good at admitting we need help or releasing areas from our control. Again, that takes humility. I see that especially true in church leadership. (And, for those who will say the church expects it — I get that — but that’s where leadership is needed even more.)
Great leaders are willing to admit when they don’t know the answer, when they don’t have a plan for the current situation, when they need help figuring out a solution, when they are in over their head, or even when they are no longer the right one for the job.
Even greater leaders are willing to allow and even promote and encourage others who are skilled in areas they are not and more capable of leading at the time.
Two questions:
Pastor or leader, in what area of your life do you need to humbly step aside and let another lead? It might be in the best interest of everyone if you did.
And, do you have any personal examples of where you’ve seen or are seeing a senior leader extend power to others? Share a story with us.
Ron Edmondson blogs at RonEdmondson.com.
Race and excessive police forceTwo weekends in December
Just when it seemed it couldn’t get any more difficult to talk about, it did. For weeks in the fall of 2014, after the shootings of unarmed African-American males by police officers in several cities, a confused narrative about race and policing in the United States broke out in street protests and Twitter campaigns featuring hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and #SupportDarrenWilson. To many, the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Ohio and Eric Garner in Staten Island, New York, were visible injustices pointing to the persistence of racism in American life. Others resisted the racial implications and saw, in the fires and looting that accompanied the mostly peaceful protests, a dangerous disregard for police authority.
Then, on successive weekends in December, the debate was in the news again, first as tens of thousands of demonstrators in major cities across the country marched in rallies with titles like “Justice for All” and “Millions March,” demanding attention for the inequitable treatment of African-American males in the criminal justice system. Then on the following Saturday, December 21, two New York City police officers were gunned down in their patrol car in Brooklyn by a troubled man who had suggested on social media that he was planning to kill police. With passions inflamed and people polarized, the question in the air was and is, Is there a way for us to move forward in a conversation that has lingered in American culture for so many years?
The incidents and the aftermath
The high-profile deaths of Brown, Rice and Garner sparked the initial wave of protests, and the circumstances in each case were troubling. Michael Brown was shot by Officer Darren Wilson in what Wilson later said was a struggle that felt very threatening to him. However, several witnesses said that Brown had his hands up and appeared to be surrendering when Wilson fired his last shots. Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy, was shot by Cleveland police after he was reported to be carrying a gun on a playground. It turned out to be a toy gun. Eric Garner was put in a chokehold during an arrest for selling cigarettes illegally on a street corner and later died. In a video of the incident, he can be heard saying repeatedly, “I can’t breathe,” a phrase that protestors have taken up.
In the cases involving Brown and Garner, grand juries declined to indict the officers involved, prompting new protests. Grand jury action is still pending in the case involving Rice. There was large-scale property damage in Ferguson, Missouri, surrounding protests over the grand jury decision on November 24. This was not the rule, however, as most demonstrations were not violent and destructive.
What is the question?
But what were the protests about, and what things needed to change? There was outrage over the deaths of unarmed African-American males and the subsequent decisions by grand juries not to indict. The use of massive displays of force by Ferguson police officers during August protests raised concerns about the increased militarization of American police departments. The perception that many police departments use excessive force and racial profiling in approaching African-American males led to the adoption of the “Black Lives Matter” slogan. All of these themes combined in the protests, along with calls for wearable cameras on police officers, more consequences for officers who commit abuses and better community relations.
Meanwhile, and especially in the wake of the shootings of the NYPD officers in December, there were renewed calls to support police and to understand the challenges of policing effectively. New York Times columnist David Brooks stated that “racist police brutality has to be punished. But respect has to be paid. Police serve by walking that hazardous line where civilization meets disorder.”
For some, questions of race were less relevant than the breakdown in trust between police and the communities they serve. Reihan Salam, writing for Slate magazine, said, “There is no question that something has gone badly wrong with policing in many of our cities. When high-crime neighborhoods grow to distrust local law enforcement, local law enforcement finds it more difficult to do its job. Anger and anxiety build, and sometimes it explodes.”
What would Jesus do?
For Christians, having just come through the season of Christmas and hearing again in the Scriptures how the infant Jesus was seen as a threat to the reigning powers, there is a natural inclination and a theological imperative to stand with the powerless. Jesus himself was abused and put to death by an unjust system with a monopoly on force. Lutheran pastor Nadia Bolz Weber noted in a recent Advent sermon that “the Christ child on whom we await … would be born in a land controlled by an empire that he was not a member of.” He would be born into a system where some citizens enjoyed the protection of “the powers that be,” while others did not.
Jesus taught his followers how to respond to unjust treatment. When they were forced to walk a mile, as Roman soldiers could compel a person to do, Jesus told them to “go with them two” (Matthew 5:41). When a centurion asked Jesus to come heal his servant, Jesus recognized and responded to the military man’s humanity and faith (Luke 7:2-10). And when Pilate confronted Jesus with his authority to put him to death, Jesus responded by pointing to God as the one true authority (John 19:10-11).
Responding constructively
“Churches can make a huge difference in urging nonviolence and constructive ways forward,” says the Reverend Susan Henry-Crowe, top executive at the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church. While she has urged major reforms in policing methods, Henry-Crowe recognizes the human realities of policing. Quoted in a United Methodist News Service article, she says, “I understand why police departments would be fearful … They don’t know when someone may be carrying a gun or not, so I have a lot of sympathy for police departments and their charge and their responsibility.”
Erin Hawkins, top executive at the United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race, strikes a similar theme as quoted in the same article. Hawkins says, “There are decades of tension in terms of relationship between law enforcement and especially poor, ethnic communities … Churches need to do their own thinking about what are the ways we heal that gap.”
A continuation of an old struggle?
At the same time that the Millions March was winding down in New York City on December 14, a new Hollywood movie was premiering in the city. “Selma” tells the story of one of the most dramatic moments in the American Civil Rights Movement, when protestors seeking voting rights were met with excessive police force in front of television cameras broadcasting the scene to the world. Wendell Pierce, who plays the Reverend Hosea Williams in the film, drew comparisons with the current protests as he stood with other cast members. “What we are dealing with now is that we just lifted the veil on an ongoing issue that we’ve been fighting for a very long [time],” Pierce said. “It’s not even a parallel, it’s the same. It’s a continuation of vigilance that was needed. Civil rights are always depicted as something that was historic and has ended, but it’s an ongoing vigilance.”
Oprah Winfrey, another cast member, praised the protests but wondered aloud if there was enough clarity about the issues to make a difference. “It’s a wonderful thing that people are protesting,” Winfrey told New York magazine. “But in order for real change to happen, you’ve got to figure out what [it] is you want first. I think that’s the first question. So you’re not just marching.”
Be sure to check out FaithLink, a weekly downloadable discussion guide for classes and small groups.
Faith & values in 2014: 10 telling numbers(RNS) Scores of studies and surveys in 2014 revealed myriad, quirky ways we live out our faith and values. But the most intriguing findings were not always the headliners. Here are 10 telling numbers about religion and society that caught our eye.
• One in 3 Americans want a divorce between clergy and civil marriages. They say it’s time for clergy to quit saying “By the power vested in me by the state … ”
• Suck it up, polar bear. Just 5 percent of Americans say climate change is their top issue, and religion is a major marker of divided views. White evangelical Protestants were the least likely to believe that climate change is a fact and that human activity is among the causes.
• Amen to online. Almost half of U.S. adults (46 percent) say they saw someone sharing “something about their faith” on the Internet in the last week.
• 50 percent of white evangelicals see themselves as victims of significant discrimination.
• One in 4 millennials who grew up in a religion but now claim none say that an important reason for leaving was their childhood church’s negative teachings or treatment of LGBT people.
• Choral laments. Since 1998, there has been a 23 percentage point drop among white conservative evangelicals who heard a choir at worship and a 28 percentage point drop for members of liberal and moderate Protestant congregations.
• No atheist in-laws. Nearly half of Americans (49 percent) would be unhappy with an unbeliever joining the family, but just 19 percent would gripe about a gun owner.
• Grads, leave religion off your resume. New grads hunting for jobs can be 24 to 30 percent less likely to hear back from potential employers if they included a mention of religious ties in college on their resume.
• You skipped church and then fibbed about attending. Nearly 1 in 7 falsely claimed they attended a religious service.
• Religion survey babble confuses 103 percent of readers. Here’s why. OK, the 103 percent is made up, but the point of this piece was to bring a discerning eye to news stories packed with numbers and help readers better understand statistics stories like this one.
Ritual and resistance: 6 worship suggestions
“ … ritual isn’t about expressing religious commitment at all, but about doing something in a way that marks the moment as different from the everyday and forces you to see it as important.” That quote came from an article about “Religion without God” that speaks of a growing movement of atheists to gather for “church” services.
As one person put it, “Singing awesome songs, hearing interesting talks, thinking about improving yourself and helping other people — and doing that in a community with wonderful relationships. Which part of that is not to like?”
I also happened upon an article about the reason people loverepetition in music — we like things we’ve heard before. As the authors note, “The play counter in iTunes reveals just how frequently we listen to our favourite tracks.”
Anyway, ever been part of a “worship war” in a church? One reason may very well be that almost no one likes a piece of music the first time they hear it. It’s only on multiple repetitions that the music begins to worm its way into receptiveness in the brain.
As a “mystery worshipper” for the last six months, I have been exposed to numerous different styles in worship. These have ranged from the deep silence of a Society of Friends service to the whirling dervish experience in the Glory of Zion. I’ve sat through the perfectly read Christian Science service and welcomed ear plugs through many overly loud contemporary worship times.
Unquestionably, the ones I personally liked best had some element of musical familiarity to me — or in the case of the Society of Friends service, welcomed me into a type of silence I myself practice with regularity.
We like what we already know. We like familiar rhythms. We like not having to wonder, “What will come next? What do I do here?” Being able to suspend those questions actually opens the door to the moments of deeper awareness of the Presence of God, and thus to a space of holy transformation, to the need for grace so we may find wholeness and salvation. Or, in the case of the atheists in church, that ability to suspend questions opens people to community and personal growth.
The broccoli fractal! / Jon Sullivan / Wikimedia Commons
On Christmas Eve, I gave myself the gift of familiar worship and attended Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin for their 11 p.m. service. I settled easily into the worship rhythms, the familiar words, the joy of the Service of Holy Communion, the deep relief of a well-planned gluten-free station so I, too, might participate.
My companion, however, was not in that kind of familiar environment and had multiple questions about what to do next or the meaning of a particular part of the liturgy. As a result he was not as caught in the luminous moments as I.
In other words, familiarity gives us space to worship. It gives us space to contemplate much greater things than “What is going to happen next?” It permits us to let down our guard and enter the flow.
Remember, we need ritual and repetition.
They can come in multiple forms, from historic patterns to contemporary forms. However, I am coming to the conclusion that, if a church really wants to welcome the outsider, much effort needs to go into helping those outsiders find comfort. That means plenty of explanation: verbally, on the screens, and in the bulletins.
Guide people gently through the services. Even the words of explanation can become part of the comforting ritual for the regulars as they provide grace moments for those who may have just come in.
For churches that do sense a need to change worship formats, it might help to understand that resistance is normal. It springs from our human need to be able to relax in the familiar so we can experience the Transcendent.
It also may be one of the reasons a fair number of people are “C&E” (Christmas and Easter) Christians. They know that on those days, they will find a familiarity that will welcome them. It’s starting to make a lot more sense to me.
So, here are a few suggestions for those who are planning their 2015 worship calendar:
• As you introduce new music, never ask a congregation to sing it without hearing it several times before.
• Do not be afraid to repeat the favorites.
• Lay down the need to be wildly creative with Easter and Christmas or other special season worship. Do what you’ve done before but with messages that are fresh and for the day. Your congregation will thank you and your visitors will feel welcomed and embraced.
• Honor the human need for familiar rhythms and patterns. They serve us well, and give us mental and spiritual space for deeper worship. When the time comes when some of those rhythms need to be changed, do so with extreme awareness and generosity of the challenges they pose, particularly to the older worshiper.
• Rethink your communications where visitors are concerned. Consider bringing in a “mystery worshiper” periodically who does not know your liturgy and rhythms and see what is confusing or unclear.
• Remember that “comfort” is not a bad thing, despite the fact that many clergy sense they are called to “afflict the comfortable.” Comfort is also a gift given from God, and it gives us space to stop and worship the Giver.
• Do not be afraid to repeat the favorites.
• Lay down the need to be wildly creative with Easter and Christmas or other special season worship. Do what you’ve done before but with messages that are fresh and for the day. Your congregation will thank you and your visitors will feel welcomed and embraced.
• Honor the human need for familiar rhythms and patterns. They serve us well, and give us mental and spiritual space for deeper worship. When the time comes when some of those rhythms need to be changed, do so with extreme awareness and generosity of the challenges they pose, particularly to the older worshiper.
• Rethink your communications where visitors are concerned. Consider bringing in a “mystery worshiper” periodically who does not know your liturgy and rhythms and see what is confusing or unclear.
• Remember that “comfort” is not a bad thing, despite the fact that many clergy sense they are called to “afflict the comfortable.” Comfort is also a gift given from God, and it gives us space to stop and worship the Giver.
Julia set fractal / Wikimedia Commons
As I was writing this, I was reminded of the nature of fractals: natural phenomena or mathematical sets that exhibit a repeating pattern that displays at every scale. Close examination of fractals reveal startling beauty and consistency in pattern.
In this post I’ve included several of these. I think we can learn from these self-repeating patterns much about the nature of our Creator and we as the created.
Christy blogs at ChristyThomas.com.
Tom Ehrich: 9 personal discoveries I made in 2014(RNS) It was a year of tragedy, terror, political dysfunction and an economic recovery mainly benefiting the precious few. Even so, I can name these nine personal discoveries in 2014:
1. Running a church stewardship campaign is discouraging. Some people are tight; some have an unrealistic view of faith as a free ride, all take and no give, and church as a consumer product. And, thanks to evisceration of the middle class, a lot don’t have any money.
2. Urgent-care facilities make sense. This new way of delivering noncritical medical care not only eases the burden on hospital emergency rooms but makes medical care what it should be: a consumer product available to all at reasonable prices.
3. Racial animus seemed as fervent as ever, especially among police forces. Other than President Obama, the targets this year weren’t leaders, but everyday black men doing everyday things. City governments face major challenges in retraining and restraining their law enforcement officials.
4. Riches lead to a disregard for the common good. On top of their opulent homes, extravagant vacations and trendy lifestyle accoutrements, the rich now want to take control of private education and politics. Some people like to admire the wealthy and emulate their styles. I find their arrogance, thoughtless lily-gilding and entitlement ugly.
5. For a free press to be useful, writers and journalists need freedom to write whatever they want. Like all media folks, I am under constant pressure to pull my punches, to write what people find soothing. I wondered how people became so frightened of diverse opinions.
6. The right wing never relents. Their toxic Kool-Aid of hatred, bigotry, fear and moral certainty strips away common sense, humility and proportion. Any attempt by progressives to compromise merely invites more recalcitrance. This year, I saw liberals, especially Christian progressives, realizing they must push back against anti-democratic and repressive forces. Liberalism isn’t about big government. It is about freedom and human dignity.
7. Faith, for me, gravitated even further from established churches. It became a largely self-directed journey of discovery: connecting stray dots, probing small dabs of experience, hearing fresh ideas from both traditional and nontraditional sources.
8. Mobility, not power, is the heart of technology. By that I don’t mean mobile devices, as in tablet or cellphone. I mean the ability to work anywhere and to have my apps and files always available, as well as goods and services accessible online. For bricks-and-mortar folks, there are tougher days ahead.
9. Adding a third generation to a family increases exponentially its joy and complexity. With two babies now in our family mix, Christmas Day was raucous commotion, requiring seven grownups to corral two 1-year-olds. As awful as 2014 was in many ways, it was also a time of new life and new hope.
I end the year feeling hopeful about 2015. Many people gave in to their worst instincts in 2014, and it merely left us all gasping and gagging. Now that we have seen our worst, I think we will reach for the better.
This Sunday, January 4, 2015Epiphany Sunday
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Isaiah 60: People Returning for the Reunion
1-7 “Get out of bed, Jerusalem!
Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight.
God’s bright glory has risen for you.
The whole earth is wrapped in darkness,
all people sunk in deep darkness,
But God rises on you,
his sunrise glory breaks over you.
Nations will come to your light,
kings to your sunburst brightness.
Look up! Look around!
Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you:
Your sons coming from great distances,
your daughters carried by their nannies.
When you see them coming you’ll smile—big smiles!
Your heart will swell and, yes, burst!
All those people returning by sea for the reunion,
a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations!
And then streams of camel caravans as far as the eye can see,
young camels of nomads in Midian and Ephah,
Pouring in from the south from Sheba,
loaded with gold and frankincense,
preaching the praises of God.
And yes, a great roundup
of flocks from the nomads in Kedar and Nebaioth,
Welcome gifts for worship at my altar
as I bathe my glorious Temple in splendor.
Psalm 72:1 A Solomon Psalm
1-8 Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God,
the gift of just rule to the crown prince.
May he judge your people rightly,
be honorable to your meek and lowly.
Let the mountains give exuberant witness;
shape the hills with the contours of right living.
Please stand up for the poor,
help the children of the needy,
come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
Outlast the sun, outlive the moon—
age after age after age.
Be rainfall on cut grass,
earth-refreshing rain showers.
Let righteousness burst into blossom
and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
Rule from sea to sea,
from the River to the Rim.
9-14 Foes will fall on their knees before God,
his enemies lick the dust.
Kings remote and legendary will pay homage,
kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth.
All kings will fall down and worship,
and godless nations sign up to serve him,
Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
the destitute who have run out of luck.
He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
he restores the wretched of the earth.
He frees them from tyranny and torture—
when they bleed, he bleeds;
when they die, he dies.
Ephesians 3: The Secret Plan of God
1-3 This is why I, Paul, am in jail for Christ, having taken up the cause of you outsiders, so-called. I take it that you’re familiar with the part I was given in God’s plan for including everybody. I got the inside story on this from God himself, as I just wrote you in brief.
4-6 As you read over what I have written to you, you’ll be able to see for yourselves into the mystery of Christ. None of our ancestors understood this. Only in our time has it been made clear by God’s Spirit through his holy apostles and prophets of this new order. The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.
7-8 This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God’s way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.
8-10 And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!
11-13 All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus. When we trust in him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud!
Matthew 2: Scholars from the East
1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
3-4 When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5-6 They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:
It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land,
no longer bringing up the rear.
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”
7-8 Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.”
9-10 Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
11 They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.
12 In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for
Isaiah 60:1-6
Verse 1
[1] Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Arise — A word of encouragement accommodated to the Jewish, or Hebrew style, wherein, as by lying down, is described a servile and calamitous condition, chap. 47:1, so by rising, and standing up, a recovery out of it, into a free, and prosperous one, as may be seen frequently; Rouze up, intimating her deliverance to be at hand. Here under a type, of Jerusalem's restoration, is displayed the flourishing state of the Gentile - church, under the Messiah.
Thy light — Thy flourishing and prosperous state.
Verse 2
[2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
The darkness — All kinds of errors.
The Lord — Christ.
Shall be seen — Shall be conspicuous; as the Lord's arising, to the darkness covering the earth, so the glory being seen, answers to that gross darkness.
Verse 3
[3] And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
The Gentiles — A plain prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles.
Verse 5
[5] Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
See — With delight the multitudes of thy children running to thee.
Flow — They shall flock together to behold such an amazing sight.
Fear — Or stand amazed.
Enlarged — Both with joy, and love.
The abundance — The islands of the sea, the nations, shall turn to thee in religion, and affection.
The forces — Or wealth.
Verse 6
[6] The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
The multitude — The treasure, that is brought upon camels. By these, and such like figurative expressions in several verses of this chapter is implied the coming in of all nations to Christ, and therefore they are brought in as presenting the chief commodities of their respective countries.
Dromedaries — A smaller sort of camel.
Ephah — The Midianites, and Ephahites dwelt beyond Arabia.
Sheba — A country in Arabia Felix, whose queen it was, that came to visit Solomon, and her bringing gifts might be a type of this, Solomon being a type of Christ.
Gold — The principal commodities with which this country abounded, by which we are to understand whatever is precious.
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Verse 1
[1] Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
Judgments — He saith judgments in the plural number, because though the office of judging and ruling was but one, yet there were divers parts and branches, of it; in all which he begs that Solomon may be directed to do as God would have him to do.
Verse 2
[2] He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
Thy afflicted ones — For such are thine in a special manner, thou art their judge and patron.
Verse 3
[3] The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
The mountains — Which are so dangerous to passengers, in regard of robbers and wild beasts. Hereby it is implied, that other places should do so too, and that it should be common and universal.
Verse 4
[4] He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
Judge — Vindicate them from their oppressors.
Verse 5
[5] They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
Thee — Thee, O God, this shall be another blessed fruit of this righteous government, that together with peace, true religion shall be established, and that throughout all generations, which was begun in Solomon's days, but not fully accomplished 'till Christ came.
Verse 6
[6] He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
He shall come — Christ did come down from heaven, and brought or sent down from heaven his doctrine, (which is often compared to rain) and the sweet and powerful influences of his spirit.
Verse 10
[10] The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
The sea — Of remote countries, to which they used to go from Canaan by sea; which are frequently called isles in scripture; the kings that rule by sea or by land.
Verse 11
[11] Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
All nations — Which cannot be said of Solomon with any truth or colour, but was unquestionably verified in Christ,
Verse 14
[14] He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
Deceit and violence — The two ways whereby the lives of men are usually destroyed.
Precious — He will not be prodigal of the lives of his subjects, but like a true father of his people, will tenderly preserve them, and severely avenge their blood upon those who shall shed it.
Ephesians 3:1-12
Verse 1
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
For this cause — That ye may be so "built together," I am a prisoner for you gentiles - For your advantage, and for asserting your right to these blessings. This it was which so enraged the Jews against him.
Verse 2
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
The dispensation of the grace of God given me in your behalf — That is, the commission to dispense the gracious gospel; to you gentiles in particular. This they had heard from his own mouth.
Verse 3
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
The mystery — Of salvation by Christ alone, and that both to Jews and gentiles.
As I wrote before — Namely, Ephesians 1:9,10; the very words of which passage he here repeats.
Verse 5
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Which in other — In former, ages was not so clearly or fully made known to the sons of men - To any man, no, not to Ezekiel, so often styled, "son of man;" nor to any of the ancient prophets. Those here spoken of are New Testament prophets.
Verse 6
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
That the gentiles are joint-heirs — Of God.
And of the same body — Under Christ the head.
And joint-partakers of his promise — The communion of the Holy Ghost.
Verse 7
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
According to the gift of the grace of God — That is, the apostle - ship which he hath graciously given me, and which he hath qualified me for.
By the effectual working of his power — In me and by me.
Verse 8
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given — Here are the noblest strains of eloquence to paint the exceeding low opinion the apostle had of himself, and the fulness of unfathomable blessings which are treasured up in Christ.
Verse 9
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
What is the fellowship of the mystery — What those mysterious blessings are whereof all believers jointly partake. Which was, in a great measure, hidden from eternity by God, who, to make way for the free exercise of his love, created all things - This is the foundation of all his dispensations.
Verse 10
[10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church — By what is done in the church, which is the theatre of the divine wisdom.
Verse 12
[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
By whom we have free access — Such as those petitioners have, who are introduced to the royal presence by some distinguished favourite.
And boldness — Unrestrained liberty of speech, such as children use in addressing an indulgent father, when, without fear of offending, they disclose all their wants, and make known all their requests.
Matthew 2:1-12
Verse 2
[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
To do him homage — To pay him that honour, by bowing to the earth before him, which the eastern nations used to pay to their monarchs.
Verse 4
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
The chief priests — That is, not only the high priest and his deputy, with those who formerly had borne that office: but also the chief man in each of those twenty-four courses, into which the body of priests were divided, 1 Chronicles 24:6-19. The scribes were those whose peculiar business it was to explain the Scriptures to the people. They were the public preachers, or expounders of the law of Moses. Whence the chief of them were called doctors of the law.
Verse 6
[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Thou art in nowise the least among the princes of Judah — That is, among the cities belonging to the princes or heads of thousands in Judah. When this and several other quotations from the Old Testament are compared with the original, it plainly appears, the apostles did not always think it necessary exactly to transcribe the passages they cited, but contented themselves with giving the general sense, though with some diversity of language. The words of Micah, which we render, Though thou be little, may be rendered, Art thou little? And then the difference which seems to be here between the prophet and the evangelist vanishes away. Micah 5:2.
Verse 8
[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
And if ye find him, bring me word - Probably Herod did not believe he was born; otherwise would not so suspicious a prince have tried to make sure work at once?
Verse 10
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Seeing the star — Standing over where the child was.
Verse 11
[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
They presented to him gifts — It was customary to offer some present to any eminent person whom they visited. And so it is, as travellers observe, in the eastern countries to this day.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh — Probably these were the best things their country afforded; and the presents ordinarily made to great persons. This was a most seasonable, providential assistance for a long and expensive journey into Egypt, a country where they were entirely strangers, and were to stay for a considerable time.
Epiphany of the Lord by Marcia T. ThompsonReadings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Come Toward the Light
The first strophe of this salvation poem summarizes the rest of the poem. Take note of the repetition of the word come through-out the passage. The central word is "glory" (kabhod). In verse 1, "Arise, shine" is an invitation to Israel to bask in God's glory. Israel had known darkness. Now God's glory "shines" and Israel is invited to respond to this 1nanifestation by rising from its despair. The light itself is a gift of God, a chance for Jerusalem to glow for all to see. The light is also God come and Israel's only source of hope. Verse 2 expresses the contrast between "light" and "darkness," the difference between Jerusalem filled with God's glory, and the rest of the world. Verse 3 tells how all nations will come to the light. It may be summarized by Isaiah 40:5: "The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together."
Come to the Light
In the second stanza, the poet uses words to create a picture of what is taking place if Israel will only look. Others will see Jerusalem reflecting the glory and will come. They are drawn by the light. Sons and daughters of Israel will return, those who have been scattered away from home long after the official homecoming. They will return with wealth from other nations and bring it to the altar (v. 7). When Israel sees, emotions will change from despair to joy, like a mother who has not seen her children in years. There is a thrill that comes with the glorious return.
Come to Worship
Verse 6 tells of others who are coming and bringing exotic gifts such as gold and frankincense. This shows that the nations too are coming to submit themselves to God's new future. All go before the altar to behold God's glory. God's presence gives the gift of life to Jerusalem and all the nations.
During my son Andrew's first Christmas, we brought him into the living room to see the Christmas tree for the first time. He was amazed as we plugged in the lights for the tree. He was drawn by the light to go and investigate the tree. In the eyes of this young child, we saw the wonder, curiosity, and joy that the light on the tree brought him.
We all sometimes need to be reminded that we are God's children who need to come to the "light" as well. Just as Jerusalem was to be the light on a hill for all nations to see God's glory, we need to come toward this "light" so that we too may be transformed by life in God's presence. This life in the presence of God should be one of wonder, curiosity, and joy, like that of a young child. By acknowledging and being transformed by the "light," we too can participate in God's kingdom. The essence of the passage is reflected in the hymn Arise, Your Light Is Come by Ruth Duck: "Show forth the glory of your God/Which shines on you today."
Excerpt: Preaching and Worshiping in Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: Years A, B,C
Worship Connection: Epiphany Sunday 2015 by Nancy C. TownleyColor: White
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
CALLS TO WORSHIP
Call to Worship #1:
L: Darkness is banished!
P: God’s light has come to us!
L: The brightness of the Star leads us!
P: We come to celebrate God’s abiding love!
L: Glory be to God in the Highest!
P: And on earth, peace forever. AMEN.
Call to Worship #2:
L: O Come, Let us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!
P: The Star in the dark sky heralded His Coming.
L: Led by the light of the Star, the Wise Ones came to pay homage.
P: We, too, come to the stable, seeking the infant King.
L: Come, Arise! Shine! The Light has come.
P: God’s Light of love is shining upon us. AMEN.
Call to Worship #3:
[Using THE UNITED METHODIST HYMNAL, p. 243, “De Tierra Lejana Venimos,” offer the following call to worship as directed.]
Choir: singing verse 1 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: On the Eve of His birth, shepherds were led to a stable, to see the Child in a manger, the child who would be the hope for all those who were oppressed and hopeless.
P: The night sky, dark and foreboding, was filled with angelic light, and the voices of the heavenly host brought the good news to those who least expected it.
Choir: singing verse 2 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: Others were drawn to the manger scene, from distant lands, seeking to find a king who would change the world, who would bring good news.
P: They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, costly and precious for the most precious Gift of God.
Choir: singing verse 3 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: Let us come this day, bearing our burdens and our joys. Let us come before the manger of the King.
P: We come, bringing what we have, to pay homage to the one who will change the world.
Choir: singing verse 4 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
Call to Worship #4:
L: Darkness is not limited to night skies; darkness invades our spirits and our souls.
P: In darkness of doubt and despair we have lived, until we witnessed the birth of the Savior.
L: Now the light has truly come to us!
P: Darkness has been banished away!
L: Arise! Shine! For the Light of God’s love has come!
P: And we shall be led to that Light in joy and celebration. AMEN.
PRAYERS, LITANY/READING, BENEDICTION
Opening Prayer
Loving God, who breaks through the darkness of doubt and despair, be with us this day as we hear of the visit of the Wise Ones, who risked everything to follow a Star. Let us open our hearts and be willing to risk receiving the gift of gracious Love that you have to offer us in the form of our Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Lord, we confess that we have been wrapped up on our secular celebration of Christmas. We have thoroughly enjoyed the music, the food, the swirl of activities. We have looked happily at the Christmas lights and decorations, and yet we have chosen to ignore the people who are most in need of compassion and assistance during this time. We often feel overwhelmed by the demands on our resources and so we turn our “deaf ear” and look away. Open our hearts today, precious Lord, and help us hear the cries of those in need. Bring us to an understanding of active discipleship in which we work helping others and thus serving you. Heal us and give us courage and joy in your service. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
As surely as the Light follows the Darkness, the light of God’s love, given to the world so long ago, is given for you, for healing and hope. You are beloved of God. In God’s name, receive the Light. AMEN.
Pastoral Prayer
Patient Lord, wait for us while we get nostalgic over the Manger Scene. Our hearts are warmed by the witness of the shepherds and the journey and adoration of the Magi. We want to stay right at that time and feel the glow of that love. But you call us to go from the manger, back to our fields, back to our schools, back to our homes, back to our work. You pour your transforming love into our lives and we are challenged to bring back to all those places the glad good news of hope and salvation. Remind us again of all the opportunities we are given to celebrate your love and power. Help us find joy in serving others. As we have brought the names of those near and dear to us before the throne of grace, asking for your healing mercies, help us remember that the love poured out in the Light of the Natal Star is still given for us this day. Give us grace and peace to reach out to all those in need. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Reading
[This reading should be done as though the readers are parents of children in a Christmas pageant. The readers should be able to “get into the part,” so some time should be taken for rehearsal, particularly timing on Reader 3. The voice should be from offstage and should be a strong voice, full of confidence and compassion.]
Reader 1:
Did you see him? My little Billy? He’s the King with the purple bathrobe and the gold cardboard crown on his head. His mother made the gift box from glitter and beads. Look how he is standing there looking at the baby Jesus! Isn’t he cute? I’m so proud of him!
Voice:
“Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
Reader 2:
My daughter Amy is actually one of the kings. After all, who says they all have to be boys! I think girls work just as well. It says they were wise men, but some people call them Magi. Anyway, I think she makes a regal royal person. Look how nicely she is standing there. Her grandmother made her royal robe, and I decorated her jar with glitter. We put Epsom salts flavored with perfume and food coloring in the jar, you know, so that it can be used afterwards.
Voice:
The Child shall be born “in Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Reader 3:
Daniel, Daniel, stop wiggling! Honestly, he can’t stand still for a minute! He wanted to be a shepherd, but all those parts were taken. They asked him if he would like to be Joseph, but he said no. So he got to be a king. Daniel, push the crown back up on your head. He’s not too happy about this. He’s the king who’s carrying the ointment--I think it’s called myrrh--for the burial of Jesus. He didn’t like that. I don’t know why they told him that he had that gift. Couldn’t they just have left it as a gift and not mentioned the contents? Daniel, look at the Baby Jesus! He’s not comfortable with this at all. But he will be OK. He’s a good boy.
Voice:
“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Reader 1:
I wonder what it was like, actually for those wise men, kings, or Magi, whatever they are called? It wasn’t just a play for them.
Reader 2:
I wonder what they risked to make the journey. There were some pretty inherent dangers in such a trip, dealing with King Herod.
Reader 3:
I wonder what forebodings they had. Did they know to whom they would truly be led?
Voice:
We, too, are led to Christ. It’s not a play; there are great risks in placing your whole trust in his love; there are dangers in the journey. But we do not travel alone. That’s what this whole thing is about--“GOD IS WITH US.” God has chosen to be very present to us in all that we say and do. We aren’t alone. Thanks be to God.
Benediction
The Light of the Star, the light of God’s love, shines before you as you leave this place. Go in peace, go in joy, go in love to meet God’s people in the world and greet them with the good news of salvation. AMEN.
ARTISTIC ELEMENTS
The traditional Color for this Sunday is: WHITE
Note: For some churches, Epiphany Sunday is a celebration of bright light. Many churches place stars throughout the sanctuary and in the worship center. You may choose to do this, for it will add to the theme of the day.
SURFACE:
Place a 6” riser on the center back of the worship center. Other shorter risers may be placed at various spots on the worship center.
FABRIC:
Cover the entire worship center in white fabric. You may choose to wind gold ribbon, about 2” wide, across the worship center and trail the streamers down the front of the worship center to the floor
CANDLES:
White votive candles may be placed throughout the worship center, or you may choose to place a large white candle, the Christ Candle, on the center 6” riser and other smaller candles nearby
FLOWERS/PLANTS:
If you have poinsettias left after the Christmas celebration, you may want to place them on the floor in front of the worship center. White poinsettias would look especially nice on either side of the Christ Candle.
ROCKS/WOOD:
Not necessary for this setting.
OTHER:
Have someone make three crowns to be placed on the worship center in front of the Christ Candle. You may also have the treasure chests, jars, or other representations of the gifts placed on the worship center.
Worship Elements: Epiphany Sunday 2015 by Joanne Carlson Brown, Worship ElementsEpiphany Sunday
Color: White
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Theme Ideas
In the Northern Hemisphere, we are experiencing the darkness of midwinter. Days are short and nights long. But there are other forms of darkness—poverty, war, injustice, oppression, hatred, prejudice, fear—forms that also affect us just as they did the people of biblical times. In these passages, light breaks through the darkness: a prophet calls us to arise and see the light of liberation and peace, reconciliation and joy; the psalmist prays for a ruler who will light the way of his people with righteousness, prosperity, and an end to oppression and injustice. The writer of Ephesians lights the way through mystery, with a message of the good news of Christ Jesus; and the Magi follow the light of a star, finding more than they were looking for, to return home transformed.
Invitation and Gathering
Call to Worship
Arise; shine, for your light has come!
We are called out of our darkness into light.
Lift up your eyes and look around.
We rejoice in the gift of light.
Come let us worship the God of light and joy and peace.
We come to kneel at the cradle of the babe,
the light incarnate.
Opening Prayer
God of promise and light,
open our eyes this morning,
that we may see your light in the darkness.
Open our hearts,
that we may perceive your promises
of justice and righteousness
fulfilled in the babe of Bethlehem.
May we, like the Magi,
have a star to guide us
on our journey quest
to find the one who will truly set us free.
May this time of worship
bring us closer to you,
that the good news
of the birth of light and love
will transform our lives. Amen.
Proclamation and Response
Prayer of Confession
Ever-patient God,
we are a people who live in thick darkness.
We stumble around
bombarded by news of war and poverty,
famine and genocide,
injustice and oppression.
The maelstrom of things and issues
and people of the dark,
can overwhelm and paralyze us.
Help us be people of the light,
shining your light of righteousness, peace, and joy
into all the dark places of our lives and world.
Unlock the mystery and glory
of the babe born in Bethlehem.
Turn our aimless wanderings
into a journey of purpose
guided by your star.
Let the light break into our lives and our world,
and transform us into people of the light.
Words of Assurance
As certain as the dawn follows the night,
so is the promise of God's forgiveness
and love for us all.
Arise and Shine.
Follow the star.
Find the light of the world born in Bethlehem . . . .
and be transformed from darkness into light.
Passing the Peace of Christ
Lift your eyes and look around.
The light of the babe of Bethlehem
shines from the face of each one here.
Let us now greet that light,
rejoice that we are here together,
and pass the peace of Christ,
our joy and our hope.
Invitation to the Word/Sermon
Open our hearts and minds to the light of your word
read and preached.
Response to the Word/Sermon
We rejoice in the mystery
made plain through the good news
of the babe of Bethlehem.
May this good news transform us and guide us
as we seek to follow the star of love and light.
Thanksgiving and Communion
Invitation to the Offering
We have seen the light of the world.
We have been called to follow the star of promise.
Like the Magi,
let us bring our gifts to honor the babe of Bethlehem
and bring the light to all the dark places
in our community and our world.
Offering Prayer
God of light and promise,
we bring our gifts
to further your work in a dark world.
May they bring your light
to those overwhelmed
by darkness, pain, and loneliness.
Accept these gifts of money and time,
indeed, the gift of our very selves.
Let them shine for all to see,
and be brought into the sphere of your love
and righteousness.
Sending Forth
Benediction
Arise, and go forth to shine for all the world to see.
We go to spread the good news of light and love,
righteousness and justice.
Go now and follow the star
that will guide you on your journey
this week, this year, and forever.
As the Magi of old,
we go forth in trust and excitement,
transformed in the presence
of the child of light.
May the blessing of the God of light
rest upon you and fill you with light.
Amen.
Contemporary Options
Contemporary Gathering Words
Light has broken in on the darkness of the world!
Can you see it? Can you feel it?
Open the eyes of your heart and light the light within.
There is a star beckoning us to follow.
Let's go and see where it leads us today in worship.
Let's see where it leads us tomorrow
as we go about our day, our week,
and the rest of our lives.
Praise Sentences
Arise and shine, for your light has come.
Lift up your eyes and look around.
Praise the God of promise and light and love.
Praise the God of the guiding star.
From “The Abingdon Worship Annual” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright Abingdon Press. “The Abingdon Worship Annual 2015” is now available.
Rise and shine by Brett YoungerIsaiah 60:1-6
An atheist was upset with me. It started when I wrote a response to an article in the local paper about the growing number of people with no religious affiliation who consider themselves spiritual. I gently suggested that spirituality without God is empty, and that what many people who claim to be spiritual without going to church really want is to be spiritual without taking any responsibility. I implied that some use their lack of faith in the church as an excuse to not give money to the needy or work for social justice. I argued that true spirituality leads people to feed the hungry, listen to the lonely, and join with others who are doing the same.
What I wrote made perfect sense to me, but a self-described “hard-core atheist” in Colorado sent an email informing me that I am “painfully ignorant.” He helpfully pointed out that those who attend church can be just as greedy, cheap, and unfeeling as those who don’t. This is not news to a Baptist preacher.
One of the disadvantages of emailing preachers is that it’s easier for us to send a sermon than a thoughtful response. So I attached a sermon on why it makes sense to believe in God, and the debate was on.
My atheist friend responded with a lengthy rebuttal that led to an exchange of opinions on heaven, hell, prayer, faith-healing, easy answers, difficult questions, astronomy, awe, skepticism, curiosity, the death penalty, black holes, quantum gravity, warped space-time, fifteen billion years of evolution, Carl Sagan, Jerry Falwell, which one of us had the worse experience in Sunday school, subservient wives, and wives who aren’t subservient at all.
As you would guess, neither of us has changed the other’s mind. My atheist pen pal wanted verifiable proof—“no evidence, no belief” is how he put it. Ultimately, I had to admit that what I hold is impossible to prove. I believe that once in a while I see a glimmer of light. It’s not much to go on as tangible proof.
Isaiah cannot prove he has seen a flash of light in the middle of a stormy night. The prophet lives in dark times. Palestine is forever being overrun. Wars between the countries to the east and west bring those foreign armies to Israel. When battles take place Hebrew parents watch their children be carried away. The days are even darker because the people’s hearts are far from God. No one pays attention to anyone who thinks God matters. An enemy army has wiped out Jerusalem, the temple, and the economy of once-proud Judah. The tiny remnant of Israel, those who were not killed or carried off to Babylon, is again threatened with destruction.
In the middle of the night, the prophet sees a light. “Rise and shine,” Isaiah shouts. “Get out of bed. God is here.” Jerusalem is in ashes, ruin, and despair, but just when it looks as if the sun will never rise again, dawn is about to break.
“Your sons will return from far away, and your daughters will be carried in their mothers’ arms again,” Isaiah continues. “The sight of the exiles coming home will make your face break out in a grin, your heart pound, and your eyes light up. The whole world will come riding camels and bringing gifts. People will march in from the South and sail in from the West. They will bring gold and frankincense, and they will bow down and worship God’s light” (author’s paraphrase). Isaiah saw that one day the darkness would be overcome by the coming of the light.
The world is still dark with ignorance, hatred, and death. We know that during this new year children will starve, terrorists will strike, and armies will retaliate against the innocent. Hard workers will lose their jobs, sick people will die, and drunk drivers will commit murder. Preschoolers will be abused, women will be molested, and older adults will be mistreated. Wealthy people will find it hard to give, lonely people won’t find the friends they need, and lost people won’t find their way home.
If it’s not dark for you this minute, be grateful even as you recognize it will be dark again. The day always turns into night. The dark shadows of the past never go completely away. Not all your dreams will come true. You won’t always love your job. Your family will have problems you haven’t imagined. Someone will leave too soon and you’ll be praying for a sunny day.
When life seems hard we need to remember that no matter how dark it gets, there’s a flickering light that tickles the retina just enough to give us hope. The light shines on, into, and through us. Some of the places we go are shadowy. Some of the people we know haven’t seen any light in a long time. We are the lights in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and church. God’s light illumines everything we do—the way we treat our employees, serve our employers, and speak to one another. We are candles that keep others from cursing the darkness, candles on birthday cakes that celebrate life, flashlights that make emergencies less terrifying, searchlights looking for those who’ve lost their way, lighthouses leading sinking ships to shore, and traffic lights pointing out when to go and when to stop.
Do you remember singing, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”? Who can forget “hide it under a bushel, no!” Like most children’s church songs with motions, it was fun to sing. Our greatest joy comes in shining our little light. Light is the joy of a doctor giving sight to the blind, a lawyer protecting someone who is innocent, and a follower of Christ shining light where there was only darkness. Joy comes in being what we are meant to be, doing what we are meant to do, and shining as we are meant to shine.
This child of light whose birthday we just celebrated—who Isaiah dreamed was coming, who the magi traveled so far to see—took on the darkness so we could see the light. It’s hard to explain and we can’t prove it, but if we look carefully we may see a flicker of hope even in the darkest night.
Worship for Kids: Epiphany Sunday 2015 by Carolyn C. BrownFrom a Child's Point of View
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12. The details of this story are often missed in children's Christmas pageants, when wise men simply follow the star to the manger. The encounter with Herod is skipped. When the story of the wise men is the focus of the day, it is possible to mine from the story two themes that are important to children.
First, God went to some trouble (by providing the star) to announce Jesus' birth to people of another race and country. In other words, God loves all people everywhere. Jesus came to all people. Thus, as Jesus' followers, we are to be one family with all people everywhere. We are to exclude no one from God's church or from our family. Although this inclusiveness is to be extended to people in our own school and community, Matthew's account of the wise men focuses on God's insistence on racial, national, and cultural inclusiveness.
Elementary children get heavy doses of national and cultural pride in school, Scouts, and similar activities. This is a chance to balance that pride with deep appreciation for other nations and cultures. It is also an opportunity to explore the value of nations working together and of cultures sharing their ways of doing things.
Second, this is a story of palace intrigue in which God and several foreigners outwit an evil ruler. The wise men learn from Herod where to find Jesus, but do not give Herod the information he needs to kill the child. God is at work on the side of the powerless. This is one of the success stories in the struggle of the powerless. Invite children to celebrate the story.
Epistle: Ephesians 3:1-12. Paul's announcement of God's "secret plan" reminds us that all people are members of God's family. Therefore, the wise men, like the Gentiles, are not "foreigners" but "kin." Today most children have contact at school or in their communities with children of other nationalities, races, and cultures. Older children are aware of people in other countries who dress, eat, speak, and act differently fromthe way we do. Paul's secret is that all these people are part of God's family. We must, therefore, respect them and treat them lovingly.
Note: The compound/complex sentences in this text are hard for children to follow. You will need to put Paul's announcement into simpler statements.
Psalm: 72:1-7, 10-14. This is both a prayer for, and a description of, a ruler who is everything Herod is not. This king is God's ideal—fair, caring, and kind. Christians have interpreted the passage as a description of the king that Jesus would be. But it also can be instructive for team captains, class officers, Scout patrol leaders, and other young leaders.
Old Testament: Isaiah 60:1-6. This Old Testament prophecy is read today to point to the arrival of the wise men. The connection is too obscure for most children.
Watch Words
Our tendency to use the terms wise men, magi, and kings interchangeably can confuse children.
Stick with one of the terms, or explain your use of others.
Do not assume that the children recognize the word Epiphany and understand its significance.
Let the Children Sing
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" is an obvious choice, but it includes abstract vocabulary that needs detailed explanation before children can sing all the verses with understanding.
"Come, Christians, Join to Sing" praises Christ the King with a repeated chorus of "Alleluia, Amen!"—in which even nonreaders can join (a specific invitation helps!).
"Jesus Loves the Little Children" is a familiar children's song celebrating the worldwide family of God. Perhaps a young children's class could sing it for the congregation, or the entire congregation could sing it as a hymn or in response to a point within the sermon.
The Liturgical Child
1. Light the Christ candle in your Advent wreath once more today. Then use it to light any other candles in your worship center. Explain the significance of the candles as they are lit. For example, many congregations light two candles on the table to recall Jesus' "twin" statements that he is the light of the world and that we also are called to be the light of the world.
2. Psalm 72 is a combination of the good wishes (or prayers) and cheers of a crowd celebrating their good king. So have four readers read the psalm with enthusiasm:
Reader 1: Verse 1
Reader 2: Verse 2
Reader 3: Verse 3
Reader 4: Verse 4
Reader 1: Verse 5
Reader 2: Verse 6
Reader 3: Verse 7
Reader 4: Verse 11
Reader 1: Verse 12a
Reader 2: Verse 12b
Reader 3: Verse 13
Reader 4: Verse 14
After delivering a sermon on leadership, repeat this reading as a prayer for specific leaders in the world today.
3. Use the characteristics of a good king found in Psalm 72:1-4; 12-14 as the basis of a prayer for leaders of the world today—name presidents, governors, and local leaders. Be sure to include leaders of countries other than your own.
4. Include prayers and music from different cultures and branches of Christianity in today's worship to celebrate the worldwide family of God. Perhaps a choir can prepare a hymn from another culture as an anthem. Create a display of hats from around the world in your worship center. (An older children's class might be enlisted to gather such hats.)
5. Pray for people of different nations and cultures. Using weather as a format, note the different kinds of weather in which Christians are gathering to worship on this day; then move to deeper concerns for the worldwide family of God.
For example, in a northern-hemisphere congregation, we might say, "It is hard to remember that for some Christians, today is the middle of summer. We remember our brothers and sisters in South Africa who gather in hot buildings and summer clothes toworship you and to find ways for black and white Christians to live together as your children."
Sermon Resources
1. Many children and adults would like to be "king." Compare the kings in this story: grasping, jealous Herod; the three worshiping kings; and King Jesus, who would be a serving, sacrificing king. Illustrate with stories about leaders of all ages.
2. Build a sermon around the three strange gifts the wise men brought. Consider using the verses of "We Three Kings of Orient Are" as an outline. Ask worshipers to follow along in open hymnbooks. Some religious bookstores sell samples of frankincense and myrrh, which you could display in your worship center.
Worship Elements: Epiphany Sunday 2015 (Option 2) by Mary Petrina Boyd, Worship ElementsEpiphany of the Lord
COLOR: White
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
THEME IDEAS
The light of God’s love shines brightly in these passages. Isaiah speaks of the radiance of God’s glory drawing the nations together. The people come with rejoicing, bearing gifts of gold, and frankincense. Matthew tells of the magi, who followed the star to the Christ child, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Paul proclaims the boundless richness of Christ. This good news brings hope to those who despair. The psalmist reminds us that the true king will judge God’s people with righteousness, bring
justice to the poor, and save the lives of the needy. The infant in Bethlehem is this true king.
INVITATION AND GATHERING
Call to Worship (Isaiah 60, Matthew 2)
Arise, shine, for your light has come.
The glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
The glory of God shines in the darkness.
Lift up your eyes and look around.
Follow the star, wherever it leads!
Take the journey that leads to the child.
Let your hearts rejoice.
Be overwhelmed with joy!
We worship the Christ child,
the hope of the world.
Opening Prayer (Isaiah 60, Psalm 72, Ephesians 3, Matthew 2)
God of mystery,
in the darkness of our world
your light shines with grace and truth.
Open the eyes of our hearts
to the glory of your love.
Speak your word of truth and joy.
May the mystery revealed in Jesus
draw us closer to you.
May the wonder of your love
fill us with wisdom and peace.
As we rejoice in your presence,
teach us to seek justice and righteousness.
Fill our hearts to overflowing
with your joy, your glory, your hope. Amen.
PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 72, Matthew 2)
God of starlight,
shine your love
into the darkness of our lives.
Preoccupied with ourselves,
we forget the needs of others;
we participate in systems that oppress;
we accept violence as a way of life;
we fail to respond to the cry of others.
May your love fall upon us
like rain on the mown grass.
May your love wash away our indifference
and water the tender shoots
of our care and compassion.
Nourished in the sunlight of your love,
may we grow into people
who live in righteousness
and who work for justice
for all your children. Amen.
Words of Assurance (Ephesians 3)
In Jesus Christ, God has revealed the mystery that brings grace and forgiveness. The light of God’s love transforms us so that we may act with boldness and confidence.
Passing the Peace of Christ (Psalm 72, Ephesians 3)
The mystery of Christ has been revealed to the world. In that mystery, peace abounds. Share the mystery of Christ’s plentiful peace.
Response to the Word (Matthew 2)
We have seen your star, O God,
shining brightly over us
and all the peoples of the earth.
Teach us to trust your light.
Help us take risks,
that we might step out in faith
into the unknown.
Guide us to the place where you abide,
that we may be overwhelmed with joy
like the magi before us.
Guide us to the stable of your love,
that we may offer you
the gifts of our lives. Amen.
THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION
Invitation to the Offering (Matthew 2)
The magi paid homage to the child, offering gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. May we too bring the gifts of
our lives and offer them in joy to Jesus Christ.
Offering Prayer (Psalm 72, Matthew 2)
As long ago travelers laid their gifts
before the Christ child,
we too bring our gifts with great joy.
Use our gifts for justice and righteousness,
that oppression and violence may cease
and peace may flourish.
May the light of your love
shine through our living,
that suffering may end,
and all may rejoice
in your gift of life. Amen.
Invitation to Communion (Matthew 2)
By the light of the star,
God led travelers to the Christ child.
When they saw the child
they were overwhelmed with joy.
By the light of divine love,
God leads us to this holy meal.
Gathered together,
we encounter the living Christ
and taste the deepest joy.
SENDING FORTH
Benediction (Matthew 2)
Go forth and follow the star.
When you have found the child,
tell the good news to the world.
May the blessings of God’s love
fill your hearts with overwhelming joy.
CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS
Contemporary Gathering Words (Isaiah 60, Matthew 2)
The darkness is gone.
Rejoice in the light!
The star shines brightly.
Follow the star!
A child is born.
Bring your gifts!
Praise Sentences (Isaiah 60, Matthew 2)
Give glory to God!
Rejoice and be glad!
God’s light shines!
Rejoice and be glad!
Jesus is born!
Rejoice and be glad!
Worship Connection: Epiphany Sunday 2015 (Option 2) by Nancy C. Townley, Worship ConnectionEpiphany of the Lord
COLOR: White
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
THEME
The Light of a Star
CALLS TO WORSHIP
Call to Worship #1
L: Arise! Shine! The light you have been waiting for is here!
P: Darkness has been banished!
L: God's light of hope floods the earth
P: God's light comes to us all.
L: Lord, make us ready to journey to this Light.
P: Prepare our hearts to receive this Light. AMEN.
Call to Worship #2
L: The Magi waited and watched, knowing something wondrous would be happening.
P: We waited for the birth of Jesus; now something wondrous is about to take root.
L: The darkness that invaded all lives was banished by the light of that star.
P: The darkness what surrounds us is gone!
L: Let us celebrate the bright shining of God's love in our lives.
P: Let us become those who will bring the light of God's love to others. AMEN.
Call to Worship #3
[Using THE FAITH WE SING, p. 2005, "Arise, Shine" offer the following call to worship as directed]
[Note: divide the choir into two groups, the first group will sing the "leader" portions; the second group will sing the "all" portions.]
L: Darkness descended over the land.
P: The people lived in fear.
L: Then something so unexpected happened.
P: Something that fdled the people with surprise.
L: A star burned brightly in the heavens!
P: A star beyond imagining!
Choir singing "Arise, Shine" as directed above through two times.
L: Our darkness is gone!
P: Though the night be dark and times are difficult, a new light shines for us!
L: Fears and banished; failures are forgiven!
P: God has heard our cries and has given us hope!
Choir singing "Arise, Shine" as directed above through two times
L: Come, let us celebrate God's light given to us!
P: Let us praise the God of hope and promise! AMEN.
Call to Worship #4
L: Herod's treachery could not stop hope!
P God's light, whose sign was a star, was poured out for the people.
L: All the fears and fiights of this world cannot diminish God's light.
P: That light isthe life of Jesus Christ, who breaks through the darkness.
L: Thanks be to God, for the most precious gift of Light.
P: Let us live as people of new Light and Hope. AMEN.
PRAYERS, READING, BENEDICTION
Opening Prayer
God of Promise and mysterious Light, be with us this day as we journey in our faith; to meet your Gift. Give us courage and hope along our way, as your light will continue to glow brightly in our path, leading us to service and discipleship in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Lord of living light, we hear the story of the Magi and tie it together with our warm Christmas celebration. It feels comfortable to us. Break those bonds of comfort and help us to realize the risk of witness and discipleship for those who follow your light. Shine brightly in us and through us. Forgive the blindness we so often offer to you. Give us vision of what you would have us be and do in the Light of Your Love. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
Light has come to you. Your light has come and it has erased the darkness. Now we can walk and work in the light. You are loved by God and called to God's service. AMEN.
Pastoral Prayer
Lord of bright and abiding Light, you have shone us, in the person of Jesus your Son, a new way to live. You have poured your light into the world and have asked us to live in the light rather than run and hide in the darkness of doubt and despair. You promise to be our light all of our days and ask us to place our trust in you. The journey in this light is risky. It means that we will have to be very serious about our service to you, giving you our best and offering hope and light to others. In this new year, we bring to you the names and situations of others for whom light seems to be a stranger. They struggle with ill health, economic hardship, broken and damaged relationships, loss of loved ones, and anxiety. We place them in your care. Let your light shine on them, bringing healing and hope. Help us to be bearers of that light in all that we do; for we ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
Reading
Reader 1: Hey, look at this! I got a new flashlight for Christmas. Boy, does it ever shine brightly! I can see a long way with this! Look, see that rock in the path? I would have stumbled over that one if I didn't have this light. And, you know, it's not heavy. I thought it would be. I mean, if it gives this much light, it should be very heavy. It's great! I can carry it with me everywhere, using it in the darkest nights or places. I never thought I would have a light like this! I'd been using old flashlights that grow dim very quickly; hoping that I would find just the right one that would really work for me. Now, here it is! Wow!
Reader 2: Well, it's a great light, that's for sure; but it doesn't show everything. You can see what's directly in your path, but you can't see everywhere. Suppose there's something just out of the beam of your light? What are you going to do? You could be in trouble or get hurt. That light is no guarantee of safety.
Reader 1:Well, in a way, you are right. I can't see everything. But, you see, I can move this light from side to side, up and down, in circles, squares. I won't always be able to see everything, but I will be able to trust that I can see where I shine my light. Isn't it that way in life. We don't always know what's coming, but we can shine our light in many ways. We will get some surprises; but the light will give us directions and guidance. Light is like that. And in a way, God is like that. God has given us new light, just like the light of the star that led the Magi. They followed the light, not really sure of where it would lead them. They didn't know what troubles and difficulties lay in their path, but they chose to follow the Light. Herod was one of those major obstacles, but they were able to bring him a message of hope, and they did get to see the Savior. What Herod chose to do with the message was to destroy the light of hope and feed on his greed and fear.
Reader 2: So you're saying that the light in that star is like God's light given to us. We have choices as to how to respond to that light. We can live in greed, hopelessness and fear, or we can take the risk and follow that light?
Reader 1: Sounds like a good plan to me. I want to see where this light is going to take me.
Benediction
Go into God's world, bearing the light of hope and peace. Bring the Good News of the love of God through Jesus Christ to all the people. Go in peace. AMEN.
ARTISTIC ELEMENTS
The traditional color for this Sunday is: WHITE
SURFACE: Place a 3" riser at the center back of the worship center. Place a riser in front of the worship area. FABRIC: Cover the worship area in white fabric, so that all risers are covered.
CANDLES: Place votive candles in front of each "star", and place a 6"white pillar candle on each side of the 3" riser. Place a small white pillar candle on the riser in front of the worship center.
FLOWERS/FOLIAGE: Not necessary for this setting
ROCKS/WOOD: Not necessary for this setting
OTHER: Create a large five pointed star to hang behind the worship center, about one foot above the 3" riser. Create as many 6-8" stars, out of cardboard, poster board, or other heavy stock, and place them on the worship center. Design them so that they stand up, without leaning on something. Place lots of 4" stars spilling over the front of the worship center and the riser in the front of it. If you have the space, string fishing or other transparent line, across the sanctuary and stick double sided five pointed stars to it so that the sanctuary appears bathed in stars. If this is not possible, make some 8 stars to be put on the ends of the pews, and on the walls of the sanctuary. You might also want to have a star theme for the bulletin cover. This is a good way to involve the church school and youth groups.
Worship Helps: Epiphany of the LordCalls to Worship
(Adapted from Isaiah 60: 1-7 written by *Margaret K. Schwarzer)
Leader: "Arise, shine; for your light has come."
Lift up your eyes for the grace of God is near us.
People: Holy One, we open our eyes;
We lift our voices to you.
Leader: "Arise, shine; for your light has come."
Open your hearts, for the Prince of Peace is near us.
People: Holy One, we open our hearts;
We lift our voices to you.
Leader: "Arise, shine; for your light has come."
Rejoice; the righteousness and mercy of God dwell with us.
People: Holy One, we rejoice.
We lift our voices to you.
(Based on Psalm 72:1-7 written by Thomas Gildermeister)
Leader: Give the king your justice, O God.
People: and your righteousness to the royal son!
Leader: May he judge your people with righteousness,
People: and your poor with justice!
Leader: Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness!
People: May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the need,
and crust the oppressor!
Leader: May he live while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
People: May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
Leader: in his days may righteousness flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
Prayer of Confession
*Gracious God, we are a sinful people. Often our hearts are cold and our faith is think. In the midst of our broken world, our souls shrivel, and our bitterness expands. Refresh our hearts and renew our hopes. Kindle in us the delight and joy you gave us at our birth.
Assurance of Pardon
*Hear the good news. We are forgiven and called to new life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our sins are forgiven in the name of God; maker of love, giver of life, redeemer of all. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
Savior of all peoples, who took on our flesh in a stable and slept in a box made for animal feed; sages followed a star to find you, paid you homage, and went home by another way. Be present among us. Encounter us in word, in bread, in song, in prayer. Tous us. Change us. Send us out to walk in new paths, telling your story, proclaiming good news to the nations. Light of the World, shine upon us. Shine your light of hope in the corners of gloom in our lives and throughout the streets of our cities and towns. Shine upon those who are lost to show them a new path home. Shine upon those who are ill to give them strenght to decide how they shall live whole lives. Shine upon those in despair who need to make a way out of no way. Shine upon those whose homes, families, and bodies that war has torn apart; reveal a path to peace. Shine upon your creation, the earth and its creatures, things seen and unseen. Burn away the mist and let us see you face-to-face so that you can wipe away our tears and make death to be no more. Light of the World, we praise your name. Amen. (written by Scott Haldeman)
Benediction
*May God's light inspire you;
May God's angels guide you;
May God's love protect you.
May Christ, our Emmanuel,
Dwell with you this day and forevermore. Amen.
excerpt: Preaching and Worshiping in Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: Years A, B, C
Forward in faith by Brett YoungerMatthew 2:1-12
Our family took a walk this week to get a closer look at the nativity scene three blocks from our house. Mary is, as usual, dressed in blue. Jesus, who looks about two years old, is wearing pajamas—not the normal translation for “swaddling clothes.” Joseph and the sole shepherd could be twins. Apparently this shepherd isn’t good at his job; there’s only one sheep. An angel playing a harp leans against the flagpole. Santa Claus is shimmying down a rope while four reindeer wait on the roof. Over to the side, three turbaned wise men stand in line. The magi are bringing, according to my children, a jewelry box, a golden football, and a silver sausage. The visitors from the east look at least as out of place as Santa.
Matthew’s version of the first Christmas has little in common with Luke’s more popular account. Trying to put the two stories together is confusing. The shift is dramatic: exit shepherds, enter wise men; exit stable, enter palace; exit poverty, enter wealth; exit angels, enter dreams; exit Mary’s lullaby, enter Rachel’s crying. One of the few things Matthew and Luke agree on is an emphasis on traveling. The story is about people making trips: from Nazareth to Bethlehem; from the fields to the manger; from Judea to Egypt. The best known, longest, and most unlikely of the journeys is from Persia to Palestine, a trip for which MapQuest wouldn’t even try to give directions.
This unreasonable trip couldn’t have a reasonable beginning. What could have possibly started them on their way? Matthew implies that the trip began with an unexplainable longing. Something unaccountable led them to follow a light without knowing where it would take them. The Gospel tells us little about the wise men. They are described as “magi” or “astrologers.”
The word magi is the root from which we get our word magician. Something like magic may be the point. In Ordinary Magic, John Welwood writes: “Magic . . . is a sudden opening of the mind to the wonder of existence. It is a sense that there is much more to life than we usually recognize . . . that life contains many dimensions, depths, textures, and meanings extending far beyond our familiar beliefs and concepts” ([Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1992] xiii).
Matthew wants us to see something beyond the familiar. Every one of us has a longing for God deep within us. We don’t always recognize this desire for what it is, but we feel it. Our spirits hunger for meaning, our souls for hope, and our hearts for love.
Why do we go to church? We have mixed motives, but at least part of our reason for going is the faint hope that we will feel God’s presence. We go in response to a longing even if we can’t name it. We have been called forth like the magi, led by the light of a star. We have felt the pull of God’s love.
The longing is so deep and the voice so distant that even in those moments when we think we might have felt something or heard something we don’t often take even a single step forward. It’s less frightening to stay where we are than it is to move toward a light that we’re not absolutely certain we saw. For every three far-seeing, truly wise persons, there are a hundred who won’t see beyond their noses. Most of us are too practical to chase stars.
When the magi ask about the new king, Herod fears for his job. He asks the reference librarians for help. The scribes point to Bethlehem. Herod tries to hoodwink the magi into coming back to tell him the child’s location so that he can pay the child a visit, too. Herod knows that anyone worthy of worship is threatening.
The appearance of Jesus disturbs the status quo for everyone. Everything we own, claim, or dream is threatened if a new king takes over. The baby grew up and changed all the rules. Jesus taught a revolutionary ethic of unconditional love, stubborn forgiveness and radical hospitality to those who were marginalized in his society. Jesus got into a lot of trouble for teaching and living out his notion of what God’s kingdom looks like.
None of us wants to lose that to which we have grown accustomed. Our trivial desires obscure our genuine longing. We know much of that to which God invites us, but we don’t want any part of it. God invites us to spend less money on ourselves and more on those in need. God calls us to waste less time amusing ourselves and give more time to our family, friends, and strangers. God tries to gently persuade us to turn our attention from the temporary to the permanent—from passing time to investing in eternity. We know far more about God’s invitations than we admit. If we don’t listen for God, it may be because we’ve already heard God.
Are we courageous enough to seek God in the common questions of ordinary life? In each confrontation, at every stage, we go forward in faith or shrink back in fear. We are tempted to lie at anchor when we are meant to sail with the wind; tempted to hide in the darkness, when we’re called to follow the light.
The wise men followed even though it seemed foolish. They wanted to see Jesus more than they wanted to keep their treasures, more than they wanted to play it safe, and more than they feared the difficulties of the journey.
The Christian faith is not a set of beliefs, but a willingness to travel, to pursue God’s gentle light. Christianity is not a place to stand, but a direction in which to move. God invites us to follow the star.
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201 8th Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37202 United States
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