Life Savers come in a variety of flavors. Some come in a variety of colors. To some extent, when talking of the candy, the roll is like a rainbow. Some are sweet and others not so much. And, by the way, throughout this season you'll be receiving a lot of these. Beyond the candy, you'll see all manner of "life savers" in the sanctuary as we progress through Epiphany. Partly because of where we're headed with the Gospel of John. Partly because it's what this season represents. Epiphany...it's a sudden realization, a sudden awakening, something that comes to mind that binds other things together, or a sudden ability to see life in a different way. Those kinds of realizations can change lives, change directions, even save us from any number of things. It's like a guiding light; or maybe a star followed by Wise Men from the East, or the realization that this baby boy would be a king that would save the world. It's a reminder that the gifts brought to Mary, Joseph and Jesus were life saving gifts. They represented both life and death. This Sunday comes the story of a blind man whose life is forever transformed, saved by Jesus. It's a much messier story than other healings; involves spit, and mud, and washing the mud away. How is that an Epiphany. Come and see. 

 
And, Happy New Year! It's a new day in so many ways. This afternoon we welcome a new congregation into our midst. Rock Chinese Church is gathering for their first service in a true sanctuary. They will be here at 1:00pm today. I can't wait to welcome them. It's the first Sunday of a new year and with a New Year come New Year's resolutions; hopes and dreams for greater health, better lives, deeper relationships. It's the day the worship team begins to brainstorm the upcoming season of Lent, and so much more. And for us, may our eyes (hearts) be washed clean, opened to a new road ahead; and may the road in front of us lead us and others toward God as we seek to continue to work in community. To prepare please read John 9:1-7.