Epiphany Season Blessings
As if on cue
the precious toddler dressed in sparkly gold
escapes the arms of her mother
causing waves of giggles in the pews
just as this preacher
spoke of another adored and ornery
toddler named Jesus testing the
limits of his world ages ago
under his parent’s watchful eye.
Another sacred
surprise occurred when all had settled
into meditation and called
upon the Light of Epiphany
to guide our spiritual journeys.
Momentarily
Light streamed through gold-stained glass windows
on an otherwise cloudy day
a gift for those ready to receive it.
Afterwards
many were talking about this worship service
the energetic toddler and
the Light as sure signs of hope
while keeping alert for the
prospects of sweet sacred surprise.
On the dawn
of a new day the Messiah
fills this sanctuary
with the hope of God’s promises to
restore all creation through amazing love.
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Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them — they are more than the sand; I come to the end — I am still with you.
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The Promises of Christ
I believe that our God loves us so much that we are given signs of divine presence even on dark and cloudy days. Although some call these signs simple coincidences, others see the mystery of God working in the world and are amazed.
Psalm 139 intrigues me. How can we not appreciate ourselves when our Creator calls us wonderful? May we allow the promises of Christ to fill the rooms of our hearts so that our souls are cleansed white as snow. As forgiven people we have a chance at loving ourselves as God loves us.
Tuesday morning we awakened to a winter wonderland that has frosted each branch of the trees, fences, and lawns. Enjoy God’s artistry in the transformed landscape while visiting a neighbor, helping them see themselves as beloved children of God, appreciated for who they are.
Without a doubt, know that we pray for you and celebrate yours in this New Year!
Rev. Marta Wheeler