Light and dark is one of the most powerful and common ways of picturing God’s work and God’s presence in the world. In the beginning God said, “Let there be light…” The Apostle John begins his account of the life of Jesus with “In the beginning was the Word…In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Epiphany is a celebration of that light shining into our lives.
Our theme and prayer for this season of Epiphany are the words of the first verse of Renew Me O Eternal Light:
Renew me, O eternal Light,
And let my heart and soul be bright,
Illumined with the light of grace
That issues from your holy face.
Sunday, January 5th: A Light to Lighten the Gentiles. Epiphany begins with Magi following the light of a star in hopes of finding a newborn King – the Light of the World. The message could not be more clear: Jesus has come not just for a select few of one nation but for all the nations. Immediately the darkness tries to cover the light as King Herod in fear for his throne seeks to destroy the infant Jesus. Curiously Matthew reports that all Jerusalem, including the religious leaders, were troubled by the Magi’s news. Religion can do that if we’re not careful, that is, conceal the light. We enter this season praying: Renew us O eternal Light to shine the light of God’s grace into every dark corner of this world.
Use these scripture to prepare for worship:
Sunday, January 12th – Baptized with the Holy Spirit & Fire. John the Baptizer announced that Jesus would baptize his followers with the Spirit and fire, which was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. Once again the darkness threatens to overcome the light when John is imprisoned. But the Light of the World will not be extinguished. Jesus is baptized by John and the Holy Spirit descends as a dove and the voice of the Father declares: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” In our baptism the very same Holy Spirit enters in and connects us to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We are renewed every time we remember our baptism as the Father now speaks to us: By faith in Jesus you are my daughter, my son; with whom I am well pleased.
Prepare for worship with these scriptures:
Sunday, January 19th- Glory Manifested. When asked by his mother to help a friend caught in an awkward situation Jesus replied, “My hour has not yet come.” Yet he acted even in this seemingly insignificant moment to provide the very best for the young couple celebrating their wedding with friends showing that his Light shines into the smallest corners of our lives. Jesus’ hour did eventually come and we have witnessed the full measure of his glory in his suffering and death. Like the first disciples we believe in him.
Prepare for worship with these scriptures: