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Archived 01/02: A Message From the Pastor
Rev. Alice Ann Bonham
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From the Pastor's Desk ... Christmas is past and we can all breath a sigh of relief. The hustle and bustle are over, the cookies and candy are eaten. It's time to relax and bask in the glow of baby Jesus' lover. Is it, really, time to sit back and relax? According to the Church calendar the answer is no. The Christmas season doesn't last very long. It's only twelve days (like the song). It ends on January 6 when we celebrate Epiphany. We celebrate Epiphany by remembering the Wise Men's visit to the Christ child and their offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. There were gifts fit for a king and the Wise Men knew that Jesus was a King. Epiphany is about more than recongnizing Jesus as King. It's about recognizing that Jesus is Emmanuel - God with us. The participation of the Wise Men help us to recognize that Emmanuel is God with ALL of us, not just a chosen few. Epiphany needs to continue today. Our world is in desparate need of recognizing God with us. There is so much need in this world. There are too many people who are lonely, hungry, homeless, addicted... and the list goes on. There is so much that divides us: racism, sexism, bigotry and hatred. The world needs to experience Epiphany and we are now the ones who take on the role of the Wise Men. We are the ones who proclaim Jesus as Emmanuel to the gentiles of this world. |
How will we be Wise Men and Women to this generation that is so lost and alone? By sharing the miracles that Jesus has done in our lives. The Gospel of John shares the miracle of turning water into wine. This miracle helped the disciples understnand who Jesus was and caused them to want to follow Him. When weshare the miracles of hope, love and peace that Jesus has done in our own lives it helps others to make the decision to follow Jesus. It really is that simple. We don't need special training or particular credentials. Our baptism is the only credential necessary. The lyrics to contemporary Christian song seem appropriate... Stars In The Universe written by Bob Kauflin and performed by Glad:
This is a desperate generation
We searh for answers within ourselves Hanging our hopes on speculation Claiming to be wise but proving something else Lord, in an age that's so confused May our lives proclaim Your truth Make us shine like stars in the universe Holding back the powers of the night Make us shine like stars in the universe Holding out, holding out the World of life May God's gracious love be with you all!
Pastor Alice Ann
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