Epiphany - what a fun word to say. Say it aloud. Epiphany. The letters tumble from your tongue. January 6 is Epiphany, a Christmas celebration, recognizing the visit of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus and in some churches, Jesus' baptism is also acknowledged. It can also be called the "Twelve night" as it is 12 days after Christmas. Epiphany goes back as far as 300 AD. The word Epiphany means to appear, manifestation or revelation. Epiphany is when Jesus was revealed as God's son or made known to others. This day celebrates God's revealing or manifesting of Jesus' identity as true God, Messiah, and Savior of the world. It not only commemorates the fact that Jesus appeared to save us, but that God revealed the identity of Jesus to the world. This holiday is celebrated in a variety of ways. When we visited Germany, we would see chalk on the front doorways of homes and business. This marked the blessing of the buildings done each year on January 6th. See the photo above, … [Read more...]
One Word for 2014
For the last few years I have focused on one word as a theme for each year. This is a phenomenon that many other people do, so not an original idea with me. And to be honest, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. One word is simple in a noisy world that is murky and complicated. One word grounds me and guides me back to God. Last year the word - Stretch - chose me. I am not one to remember my dreams but this word crept entered barged into my sleep one night and made itself at home within my heart. Stretch has been a good word for me this past year and described many of the adventures God offered me. And now let us welcome the New Year 'Full of things that nave never been. Rainer Maria Rilke What will 2014 hold for me? I love this time of year. I take out my journal and review the past year. I write down a summary. Then I prayfully ask God to lead me into thinking where he might want me to grow in the New Year. Choosing a word … [Read more...]
Count and Recount the Gracious Deeds of the Lord – Lectio Divina
I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord. Isaiah 63: 7a Count your blessings. I hear that over and over again, Lord. But I so often fail to recount the merciful gifts from you. I ignore the days I walk without pain. The breaths I take without difficulty. The sleep I enjoy under your protective watch. The simple movements of my fingers on this keyboard. The whooshing sound of the flock of sparrows by the feeder outside of my office. The sun brightly shining in winter and white vapor of my breath as I whistle in the cool air. The smell of coffee on my desk in a familiar mug. The mixture of tastes in my breakfast of pineapple, melon and strawberries. The goodbye kiss of my hubby and the giggles of my grandkids. So many tiny incidences that transmit love from your heart into mine. You are present in every sound, smell, sight and moment. You are there in every second and you seep into the cells of my … [Read more...]
Christmas Quote of the Week – Wilda English
God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ. --Wilda English … [Read more...]
The Second Day of Christmas – Boxing Day
Christmas isn't over yet. Many traditions celebrate the 12 days of Christmas (from the 25th to Epiphany on Jan. 6) with today being number two. Some people call this day Boxing Day. December 26 doesn't get its due other than the madness of after Christmas sales. In some countries this day is St Stephen's Day but many more people celebrate Boxing Day. This tradition started as the day after Christmas was when servants and trades people received their gifts from their bosses called the Christmas box. The term, Boxing Day, has existed since the Middle Ages though no one knows for sure who it began. One theory is that is referred to the Alms Box found in church to collect money to help the poor. One tale implies Boxing Day began with Good King Wenceslas. Remember that carol? Here are the first and last verses: Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas
The true joy of Christmas is the love of Christ, shared with friends and family. May you find his peace, love, and joy in the coming year. … [Read more...]
Do the Right Thing – Lectio Divina
"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream an said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus...' When Joseph awoke from sleep he did as the angel of the Lord commend him." Matthew 1: 18-21, 24 Joseph did the right thing. Lord, that isn't always easy or popular. Joseph sounds like a thoughtful, godly man -one who considered options thoroughly before preceding, like planning a project in his carpenter shop. Joseph made a decision but waited before taking action. Did he pray, Lord? … [Read more...]
Christmas Hush – Quote of the Week
Let's approach Christmas with an expectant hush Rather than a last minute rush. Anonymous … [Read more...]