EPIPHANY IS THIS SUNDAY
(the arrivial of the magi/wisemen)
Scripture: Luke 2:36-38
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Thought for the Day: It is interesting how Luke includes both a man and a woman who glimpse the child for who he truly is. Simeon recognized God’s revelation taking on flesh in yesterday’s devotional, and today it is a woman named Anna. So moved by what she has seen, Anna becomes one of the first evangelists. The story of Anna stands as a challenging model for all of us who have glimpsed Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive work. How often have we spoken to others about a life-giving faith? I’m not talking in some insensitive or manipulative way. I’m not suggesting we pitch a tent on the corner and yell at people about hell. What I am referring to is the capacity to talk about the breath-taking beauty and grace of Jesus. And for those who encountered Anna, I am guessing it had less to do with her actual words and more to do with the joy seen within her. A friend of mine encountered someone recently who had grown up in the church, but stopped going in his early 20’s. When asked why, his response was: “I don’t know if I have ever been around a group grumpier and more negative than church folks.” Now I would suggest otherwise, but I do think the church has too often forgotten its core identity as those whose lives should reflect what it means to be loved without condition. Let us be Anna’s to the world around us.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your love that inspires us to love others with joy and excitement. Allow for others to see within us a life that has been blessed and desires above all things to be a blessing to others. Amen.
THIS SUNDAY
Camel Walk at 10am
(from Meyer Park)
Single Worship Service at 10:30am
NEW STUDY
Begins Next Wednesday
January 10
Noon and 6:30pm
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