In three days, on January 6, the season of Epiphany commences, which means that the twelve days of Christmas are behind us and the season of lights has arrived. For Christians it is a part of the big drama of the church year. But it also has special poignancy for those of us in the northern hemisphere who long for light during the winter of cold and darkness.
The foundational story of Epiphany is the star rising and leading the Magi to Bethlehem to find the long-awaited Messiah. On January 7, the first Sunday of Epiphany and the beginning of our series Star Rising, we will explore this in some depth - the nature of the star of Bethlehem, the identity of the Magi, the role of the maniacal King Herod, and the way the light of God's revelation penetrates the darkness.
Throughout our six weeks together we will explore the ways in which the reign of God breaks into the world, how the resistance of the world pushes back but does not overcome, and how the authority of a spirit-filled man like Jesus causes even the demons of this world to tremble.
I hope that you find the time during these weeks to throw another log on the fire, tell stories and contemplate deep thoughts, gaze into the cold starry night and whisper prayers, gather in around hearth and home for the warmth that only love may provide, and make special effort to join with your church family week-by-week for the sharing of our faith.
Star Rising. It most surely is.
