celebrate epiphany...let's follow the star!

January 6th begins the Season of Epiphany…Epiphany is the day we remember the Wise Men’s visit to Jesus…and the coming of the Light of the World and the Gospel to ALL PEOPLE, not just the Children of Israel. The Wise Men, and there may have been more than three, were students of the stars…probably astrologers/astronomers. In those days, astrology and astronomy were interchangeable and royal courts employed many in this field in hopes of discerning the future and understanding the world. These Wise Men were awake. They were aware and watching the signs. They knew that the Star in the heavens pointed to the birth of a King, and not just any King, but the King of the Jews. These Wise Men were available, they were willing to leave their homes and families, leave their comfort zones, their jobs, and go in search of the King of Kings. The Wise Men didn’t know who or what they would find…they were just willing TO GO. They weren’t afraid to ask questions…like at the Palace of Herod…They sought answers and kept looking, and they didn’t give up even when they didn’t find the King in a palace. They followed the Star on to Bethlehem, a small village known as the birthplace of shepherds…like King David, and the home of the sacrificial lambs bred and raised for the Jerusalem temple offerings…. It was in Bethlehem that they found the King…a baby, probably now a little under two…born to peasants…not to courtly folk. These Wise Men were not distraught ….they were prepared, bringing gifts fit for Royalty. Their Adventure had taken them far from home, away from safety, security and all familiar, yet it was by taking a risk, and stepping out on the journey, that they found the wonder of worshipping the King of Kings…and I am sure that their lives were never ever the same!

My Adventure at Christ Church Glendale began in the spring of 1998. i had no clue what god would do during those years...
the people i'd meet, the new passion that god would develop for worship and liturgy....
the new language i'd learn...not everyone can speak episcopalian, presbyterian, pentecostal, vienyard, disciples of christ, and emergent...
the amazing students and parents i get to hang out with...
i am totally thankful for the experience!

my paid adventure with ccg ended jan 1st.
it's a brand new leg of the journey...a risk...a leaving of comfort zones, and the familiar to follow the king and his star...

my prayer for this epiphany, this new year, is that we will all be like the Wise Men in 2005. Let’s watch for signs pointing us to the King of Kings. Let’s ask questions and keep pursuing Him, even if finding Him doesn’t look like we thought it might …Let’s commit in the new year to bring ourselves, our gifts , our talents, our hearts and lay them at the feet of Jesus. Truly our lives will never be the same and God will lead us on the greatest adventure … new life with HIM!

Comments

[Tammy jo]

Are you back in town? Michelle and I want to "lunch" . . "tea". . . . coffee or whatever it is that we can do. . and we want you to meet our very wise friend donna. . . truly a soul sister!! WHEN?!?!?!

[Jill Szturm]

Lilly,
Meredith hooked me up to your blog and I love it! As I've told you before, your spirituality amazes me and I wish that I could be more like you! I get so sad when I think of Christ Church without you and your sunny smile! I have shed many tears since finding out about your resignation. You will truly be missed. Let's try to have lunch together once in awhile. Thanks for the Epiphany message. I feel like I'm on a new journey for 2005 too, spiritually and job wise. I'm sure God has good things in store for me. I'm reading a great book now written by a Christian author entitled "The Too Busy Handbook". She gives great advice on putting God foremost in your life and listening for his voice. Well, I've taken up enough space! See you Sunday.