The season after Christmas and before Lent can often seem like a “down” time in the church year—as if we’re simply marking time while waiting for another grand celebration. Whether it is because people are suffering from holiday fatigue or influenced by gloomy winter weather, the season of Epiphany can go by unnoticed and unheralded.

This year we hope that is not the case.  We hope that we can simultaneously continue some of the feelings of the Christmas season, and the challenge that comes from keeping the Christ child even beyond the Christmas tree and the lights, while also giving due importance to the season of Epiphany; Epiphany is the celebration of God’s presence breaking through to shine as a light in the darkness.

This year on Epiphany Sunday (January 7) each person who comes to church will receive a "star gift."  A star gift is simply a card with a picture of a star and a word printed on one side, and a scripture on the other side.  Whatever that word you receive on that card, you are invited to reflect on that word for the coming year.  You will be invited to ponder what significance this word might have on your lives, and how God might be speaking to you through that simple message.

​The star gifts will be passed around to the congregation using the same offering plates that we use in worship to receive our tithes and offerings.  As we help ourselves to a star gift (without looking - just reach in and grab!), the significance cannot be lost.  In this moment you are not being asked to give, you are being invited to receive.  In this moment we are reminded that this is always the order of things in God's realm - God always gives first, and then we are invited to respond with our gifts and ourselves.

The magi who traveled great distances to offer their gifts to the newborn Christ-child were responding to the gift first given to them.  They received God's gift, then offered their gifts to God.  As we commemorate the arrival of the Magi this coming Sunday, in Matthew 2, and remember their offerings, we delight in this paper reminder that symbolizes God's generosity in our lives.  

Everyone who receives a star gift is encouraged to take it home and hang it up where they are sure to see it every day. It may be on the bathroom mirror, or next to the computer screen. Some may keep the star gifts from year to year; gradually accumulating a virtual constellation of wise words and encouragement displayed as a reminder of God’s presence in our lives.

No matter how you treat this card, allow your word to speak to you. Maybe start by looking the word up in the dictionary so that you are clear on its meaning; we hear the word grace all the time, but what exactly does it mean? A word that seemed unclear at the beginning may gain new meaning as the year goes on.

Perhaps your word will seem very timely, as if it was indeed designated specifically for you the recipient in this exact time. It is this sense of serendipity and wondering how God might be working through this simple process that keeps us engaged. 

Epiphany is the celebration of God’s presence breaking through to shine as a light in the darkness. Each year our congregation rejoices in the reminder of our generous, giving God—this year, one star gift at a time.

Scripture:

Matthew 2:1-12 (Common English Bible)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”
When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote:
You, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
        by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah,
            because from you will come one who governs,
            who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

​Isaiah 60:1-6 (The Voice)
Arise, shine, for your light has broken through!
    The Eternal One’s brilliance has dawned upon you.
See truly; look carefully—darkness blankets the earth;
    people all over are cloaked in darkness.
But God will rise and shine on you;
    the Eternal’s bright glory will shine on you, a light for all to see.
Nations north and south, peoples east and west, will be drawn to your light,
    will find purpose and direction by your light.
In the radiance of your rising, you will enlighten the leaders of nations.
Don’t be shy; don’t be doubtful; lift up your eyes and look around.
    They have gathered all around you, eager to come and be close to you.
And your children will come back to this land:
    your sons from the farthest places of wandering,
    and your daughters gently carried home.
And when you see it, your face will glow;
    your heart will race and be filled with joy;
For great ships will arrive with gifts from across the sea,
    and the wealth of nations will make their way to you.
Herd after herd of camels will cover the land,
    caravans arriving daily from south and southwest: Midian, Ephah,
Even Sheba with gifts of gold and frankincense.
    They will announce for all the world to hear, “The Eternal be praised!”

Matthew 6:7-15 (Common English Bible)
“When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they’ll be heard. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask. Pray like this:
Our Father who is in heaven,
uphold the holiness of your name.
Bring in your kingdom
so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven.
Give us the bread we need for today.
Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you,
just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.
And don’t lead us into temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
 “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins.

Acts 2:42-47 (Common English Bible)
The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.

REFLECTION: One of the most interesting parts of our tour throughout Jordan and Jerusalem last January, were the number of cities we actually got to visit.  While our itinerary said we would visit 8 cities, or something to that effect, I would gather that we visited more like 15-20.  How, you might ask?  Not only were we visiting the modern day city of Jerusalem, but we were also visiting the 3 or 4 or 5, or maybe even 6 layers of city that lay underneath and shed light on who we are as a civilization.  

Some Greeks had a notion that there were layers of humanity: The Golden Age, the Silver Age, the Bronze Age, the Heroic Age and the Iron Ages.  Some said that these ages were descending, getting progressively worse.  Other Romans had a notion that humanity was progressing through world powers: the Assyrians, the Medes, the Persians, the Macedonians and the Romans.  These were ascending, with Rome as the climax.  And then we have Jerusalem, who may have held fast to ascending humanity, or to descending civilizations, but nonetheless, provides evidence that there are certainly layers of the human experience.

Regardless of the civilization or the culture, Greek, Roman, Jewish.... We can see that for thousands of years we, as human beings, have been operating on this "layer" system in which we see different levels of our human experience.  So when we hear the words, "Thy Kingdom come," it is hard not to think of God's kingdom as the ultimate layer of existence.

Is God's kingdom the very top?  Do we get to see God's kingdom at the very end?  Or is God's kingdom at the very bottom, the very foundation upon which we are building, but perhaps covering up?  Are we waiting for God's kingdom to come at some future point and time, or could God's kingdom come right here and now, in our own lifetime?  We pray each and every week, "Your kingdom come," but how does God's kingdom come?  We pray each and every week, "Your will be done," but how is God's will done?

Join us this Sunday as we discuss more about the Lord's Prayer and the foundations of the church, as we focus on the second phrase, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Our faith community simply isn't the same without everyone in our community present - so we hope you will join us!

The first time I read this passage, I was very young in faith…an adult, but wholly immature regarding scripture.  Back then, I imagined that Peter and Andrew were strangers to Jesus.  I pictured a scene where Jesus is walking on the beach in a bleached tunic; he carries an air of quiet contemplation.  (Give me latitude - I didn’t know anything about over-turned tables or post-resurrection appearances, yet.)  So, he’s walking.  And far in the distance, he sees two men working at their boats.  As he gets closer, he nonchalantly invites these two to come into his inner circle.  “Follow me. And I will make you fishers of men.” They drop their nets and go. [End scene.] 

No conversation.  No questions.  No hesitation.  Just, “Okay,” and they follow.

A few years and a little spiritual maturity later, I assume that Jesus, as he grew into his role as teacher and Savior, spent a few sleepless nights figuring out which of the people around him were best for the tasks of his ministry and that he was looking for just the right set of skills in those people. 

So, what was it about Peter and Andrew?  What makes these fishermen special?  It takes skill to make and mend nets, patience to accept that a small haul is part of a fisherman’s lot, and strength to pull a huge haul over the side of a boat.  It takes strong will and steadfast perseverance to catch fish and feed people day by day. 

Jesus understood the great metaphors in life and taught with them often, so it is possible that he simply liked the humor of “fishers of men.” (Come on. He has a sense of humor. It is a good play on words.)

I would like to believe that he watched his friends and learned their hearts, planned the parts they would play on his team, what he would have to do in order to develop them, and all of this before he invited them.

Church leaders, staff and lay-persons alike, lament over the lack of volunteers in ministry.  We cite society and culture as reasons that our fellow followers bow out of the hard jobs. But have we really done what is necessary?  Have we watched people, identified their strengths, and planned for their inclusion in ministry?  Or are we just throwing our nets out there, hoping for a good catch?

- Amy

I’ve had it with war—no more chariots in Ephraim, no more war horses in Jerusalem, no more swords and spears, bows and arrows. He will offer peace to the nations, a peaceful rule worldwide, from the four winds to the seven seas.
                                      - Zachariah 9.10 (The Message)


READING:
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
                                    - Matthew 21.1-11 (NRSV)    


REFLECTION:
When I was a child in the Deep South, I had no inkling of the passion of Jesus in any real sense. The southern-fried religion that reared me always jumped plum over the passion of Holy Friday and the execution of Jesus; straight from the glory of the Triumphal Entry to the Glory of the Resurrection; there was no conflict, vulnerability, suffering, and execution in between to raise disquieting questions and challenge the theology of triumphalism. With the Resurrection of Jesus, according to triumphalism, the Roman Empire was replaced by another; the Christian Empire. It’s Lord and Master would someday consummate this dominance on the battlefield of Armageddon and the violent destruction of God’s enemies. In fact, the only vague trace of passion was referenced in the abstract notion of Jesus’ blood shed for our sin.

This interpretation replaces passion with triumphalism, and in so doing obliterates the intimate connection between Holy Week and the ministry of Jesus. This connection is important, because the meaning of Holy Week becomes visible only when interpreted through the ministry that preceded it, and in a real sense caused it. You see, Jesus had two passions, and they shed light on each other. The first passion of Jesus – the one that inspired his vision and drove his every action – was the Reign of God (sometimes called the Kingdom of God); not an empire to replace Rome, but an alternative vision to challenge the very notion of empire.

Empire – in Jesus’ day represented by Rome - is based on dominating power, repression, violence, and exploitation, especially against the peasant class whose cause Jesus championed; while Jesus’ vision is based on liberating humility, recognition of the worth of all, and fairness toward all. Empire? Not so much; say rather anti-empire. It was this first passion that inevitably led Jesus into conflict with Rome, and brought its swift retribution of Jesus’ second passion: humiliation, scourging, and crucifixion.

On Sunday we will examine the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the light of its connection to his entire life and ministry, and his challenge to the notion of empire. It very well could be an eye-opening experience. I hope you will join us.

To celebrate Epiphany is to join the magi in laying before the Christ everything we have to give, beginning with ourselves.  And when we do, we too will find our pride empty, our wisdom lacking, and our gifts overshadowed by God’s gifts to us.


READING: 
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’ 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.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they 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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.


REFLECTION:
At long last we approach the 12th day of Christmas – Epiphany – and the conclusion of our Christmas celebration. Throughout this joyous season, worship at OPCC has been guided by the image of a star. One Star… Many Lights has been our mantra. One star, that is to say, that not only shines on our lives, but shines as well into and through our lives.

This image is particularly appropriate for Epiphany, for the star plays a central role in the story Matthew recounts. It was a star that seduced the Magi, lured them from their home far away, and guided them to Bethlehem. And what better image to represent Epiphany, which is itself a shining forth or revealing? In its light we see clearly for the first time, and the sight we behold changes our lives dramatically, just as it changed the lives of our ancient friends, the Magi.

But here, at long last, the image must change. For when all is said and done it is not a star we seek; one unique star that will continue to guide our steps. It is not a star whose nature is illuminated by the story. It is, rather, something like a star that we seek; something – or someone – whose impact is so very star-like: it illumines, it guides, it warms, it enlivens, it animates, it inspires, and it empowers us to live abundantly and fully.

The expression – choose something like a star – of course derives from the poem of the same name by Robert Frost. In part the poem reads:

O Star (the fairest one in sight),
We grant your loftiness the right
To some obscurity of cloud…
Some mystery becomes the proud…
It asks a little of us here.
It asks of us a certain height,
So when at times the mob is swayed
To carry praise or blame too far,
We may choose something like a star
To stay our minds on and be staid (calm).

As we gather for worship on Sunday, it will not be a star we seek. Rather, we will seek something like a star; we will seek the One whose luminous nature is reflected meagerly in the star’s light. And I hope you will join us.