From The Pastor
On January 8th we will celebrate Epiphany Sunday. The Feast of Epiphany has traditionally been celebrated in the West on January 6, bringing to an end the Twelve Days of Christmas. Current practice often tends to see the Epiphany more as a part of the Christmas celebration rather than the beginning of a new season in its own right. Epiphany begins with the visit of the Magi (or commonly referred to as three kings).
On Sunday, January 8 each worshipper shall receive a star to guide us on our journey through January. You may recall the Magi were guided by a star on their own journey, where they found Jesus. Each star will have a “fruit of the Spirit” written on it to lead you. The “fruit of the Spirit” are different from the “gifts of the Spirit.” Each person has a different gift to use for the common good. Each person bears the fruit to guide us as disciples of Jesus. The “fruit of the Spirit” consist of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Your charge through the month of January is to reflect on how the fruit named on your star is guiding you. The last Sunday of January we’ll share stories and experiences.
Following the busy and high-energy of the Christmas season, Epiphany serves as a time for us to reflect and rediscover the presence of Christ in our lives. My prayer for you is that you and I will be drawn a little closer to God during this time of spiritual reflection.
Grace and peace to you,
Larry