On this 5th day after Christmas I have said, “Goodbye,
I love you!” to many family members who visited us in our new home. Our home
was blessed by the sound of laughter, the scent of the Christmas tree, and the
joyful Spirit of Christmas-time thanks to our faithful visitors.
The tangible yet quiet message of love in these visits reminded me
of Epiphany. All of our visitors traveled long distances to see us because of
the love in their hearts. The magi who visited our Lord communicated the same
message with words, gifts and other adorations of the Christ child after making
the long journey to meet him. And in some way, I am sure the Christ child
responded back to them, "I love you, too!"
Where do we journey to meet Jesus and enthusiastically show him
our love? When we attend worship? When we go on a mission trip? While standing
in line at the grocery store? All these places are important. God calls us to
demonstrate our love for Jesus Christ in every
moment of our lives, not just at the end of a long, intentional journey. The
ordinary moments, when others least expect it, may be the most poignant times
to exhibit Christ’s love.
As an Epiphany gift to Jesus, let us become even closer to God by
connecting with love to all we meet. See each other through the eyes of Jesus. Forgive,
reach out, be brave, and listen to the Spirit who guides you to do what you are
able to help one another.
Psalm 72 guides us to do our part to "save the lives" of
those in need: "For He delivers the needy when they call, the poor and
those who have no helper. He saves the lives of the needy from oppression and
violence. He redeems their life; and precious are they in his sight." (adapted from Psalm 72:12-14)
What will you do
differently in 2014? In this New Year, a wonderful resolution might be:
"To show my love for Jesus by loving those in my life a little more each
day." Celebrate Epiphany by giving the gift of YOU to someone who needs a
helper, an advocate, a friend. YOU can BE peace, hope, and God’s love in
action. Happy New Year!
Pastor Cindy
(image credit:
http://cyberbrethren.com/2013/01/06/the-epiphany-of-our-lord-january-6/)
