Saturday, January 6, 2018

Pastor Cara's Weekly Email - Shawnee Church of the Nazarene in Shawnee, Kansas, United States

Pastor Cara's Weekly Email - Shawnee Church of the Nazarene in Shawnee, Kansas, United States
Greetings Shawnee Family!
It is so good to be back from being sick two weeks ago and visiting family in Michigan last week. I have missed being with you all and writing to you. This week I have been reflecting on this Christmas season and wanted to share some things I have learned.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Cara
January 6th is the 12th day after Christmas and throughout church history has been called, “Epiphany.” The word “Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means, “manifestation” or “appearing.” Some historical books call this day, “The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.” This is in reference to the Three Wisemen following the star to find Christ. The celebration of Epiphany dates all the way back to the second century!
I am thankful that…
…. God the Father sent Christ the Son so that Christ could make way for all people to come to know him.
…God includes the people of God and the Gentiles alike in relationship.
… God took the time to reach out to the Three Wisemen from the East.
I can’t help but think about the fact that the Wisemen were drawn to Bethlehem by the bright light of a star. We are also drawn to the light of the world, Christ, and offered amazing grace and relationship. What a blessing!
On this January 6th, the last day of the 12 days of Christmas, I am thankful for the fact that throughout history we see that the God is always working to make room for all to find a way to God. God is waiting with arms open wide. Grace is already given without us having to do a thing. Christ has come. All we have to is run to God and find ourselves in the most incredible, loving, and eternal embrace.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer:
“O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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