LIGHT FOR 2014
"One night, there was a new light. What makes the magi wise is that they knew this new light was not the thing they were looking for-it was a map, a guidepost, a beacon. Following the star would guide them to perfect light, and so they went. The candles on the Advent wreath are not the light of the world, they are a symbol of that light. The star the wise ones followed was not the light, it was the guide to the light. The true splendor and glory were to be found in a child, a helpless wonder in a crib who was joy and peace and light for all the world."
~Teri Peterson
This Sunday, is Epiphany Sunday. Our scripture for the first Sunday of 2014 is Matthew 2:1-12. It describes the arrival in Jerusalem of the Magi from the East who had been guided by the rising star of new hope. Like us, they could not predict all that was ahead. They had to trust what light they had while remaining open to new revelations.
Each step on their journey was a step of openness. They were open to new directions. Indeed they changed course when they were warned in a dream not to return to Jerusalem where Herod awaited them with destructive intent, "so they went back to their own country by another road" (Matthew 2:12).
The new year is a good time to open ourselves to new guidance. With the guidance of the Spirit, every road we choose can lead to stronger living and deeper wholeness.
In preparation for our worship together on Sunday, I invite you to join me in praying this prayer: "God, I seek Your guidance for this new year. Draw me to people and places that will strengthen me to love more deeply and serve You more fully. Help me to discern the best road each day, and give me the courage to make the right choices, even if that means traveling a difficult road. Help me to never withhold the gifts that provide encouragement and love to others. Through it all, give me a song of praise from a joyful heart. Amen."
Blessings on 2014! See you Sunday at 9am and 11am.
Faithfully,
Rev. J. Dwayne Johnson, Senior Pastor
