REMINDER: Today is the twelfth and final day in our journey through the 12 days of Christmas (December 25 – January 5). It is Epiphany Eve, but also what is known as Epiphany Sunday. Epiphany is always January 6, but we celebrate Epiphany on the Sunday closest to the 6th.
Scripture: Matthew 2:11
On entering the house, the wise men saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Thought for the Day: This is a magnificent moment as these travelers from the East enter this young family’s home, kneel down before this young child, and worship him. They know very little of this child or even these people’s customs, yet they believe there is something so sacred and beautiful that there only response is to humble themselves. We’ve seen art work that attempts to capture this moment, but we need to remember that this was a young child. He was probably still young enough that, at some point during the visit, his diaper needed changing. And in that time, I’m guessing there were no diaper wipes or cool genie-like devises that magically captured the stinky soiled cloth. As strange as it may sound, this is where I believe the beauty and sacredness of this moment truly exists… at the point where the holy became, not only incarnate on earth, but incarnate within the earthiness of human existence.
Prayer: God, you understand… for you have chosen to dwell among us. Thank you for making your presence known in the mucky and unpleasant parts of life. Amen.
THE DAY HAS ARRIVED
Don’t miss out:
Epiphany Parade at 10:00am
Combined Worship Service at 10:30am
Lunch at 11:30am
If you can, bring a couple of canned vegetables…
