Yesterday was Epiphany – the conclusion of Chistmastide and the celebration of the “revealing” of Jesus Christ. Stories of magi, the blessings of Simeon and Anna, his own baptism, and the Cana wedding miracle are some of the stories we treasure in these first weeks of each year. The stories of the Lord’s wisdom and grace follow…

The question “Did THEY see him and welcome him?” echoes across the centuries for our contemplation. Do WE welcome the Light of the Christ Child into our lives, in these difficult moments?  Where do we dare to proclaim his presence, his power? Is that being revealed for us? In us? Despite us?  

This week we will inhabit one of my favorite stories- the blessings of Simeon and Anna upon Jesus at his presentation to the temple. There’s a strange and powerful word Simeon offers – that Jesus will reveal our thoughts (and I paraphrase that this will be messy and hard).

I share the photograph below which was posted on Facebook by a progressive clergy colleague this week. I was heartsick when I saw it. I’m pondering today and through the weekend… what does this picture REVEAL about this divided cultural moment? About the temptations we all face to condemn others and weaponize Scripture to do so? 

Maybe this makes it into my sermon Sunday; maybe it falls to the floor with other content cuts.  Be assured that what it reveals about our time and place is heart-wrecking for me and this tenderness informs about every waking moment for me right now.  With the Apostle Paul I pray that all my thoughts would be made captive to Christ and serve only His mission – a reconciliation and unity long seen to be weak and foolish by this world.  

I pray the same for you, and that you will agonize in your own way with me and all of us with each other… it will mean that the peace, joy, hope, love of the Christmas season is not some cheap sentimental gig. May it instead be True Epiphany.

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jacki