DON’T FORGET
One Service Sunday
TODAY
Scripture: Matthew 2:7-8
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
Thought for the Day: I have always assumed Herod had this elaborate plan to use the Magi (Wisemen) as a way of infiltrating the Holy Family, but what if his initial desire was to seek out the child and to pay him homage? I don’t believe that was the case, but I do think there are many people in this world whose initial reaction to the gifts of God is celebratory and joyful. It is only as the deep reality of what the gift signifies and demands becomes clear that people find their initial excitement change to loathing. I’ve watched a parent give a child a new pet, only to watch the enthusiasm dissipate as the real work of care-giving keeps coming around every single day. That’s not to say discipleship and pet care are equal in status (though for some people, discipleship might be expressed through the care of God’s creation), but the ease at which enthusiasm vanishes in the face of responsibility is a universal happening. Discipleship is the life-long work of maintaining our enthusiasm for both the gift and the responsibilities associated with the gift.
Prayer: In your glorious and gracious gift, O Lord, I not only see you but the responsibility I have because of my acceptance of the gift. Keep me faithful to the ongoing work of discipleship and devotion. Amen.
TODAY IS THE BIG DAY
Worship at 10:30am
Camel Walk at 10:00am
