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January 6, 2008 - Epiphany of our Lord Sunday
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
-- Isaiah 60:1
They (the wise men from the East) 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.
-- Matthew 2:9b-11
Darkness seems to own most winter days. The sun is reluctant to rise in the
morning and quick to disappear in the late afternoon hours. But when the sun does make
the occasional appearance in these long, cold, winter months we take notice.
We can only imagine what compelled the wise men from the East to follow that star
so long ago. Yet they were not disappointed in their efforts and were overwhelmed with
joy even before they entered the house over which the star shone so brightly. A small
star had led them to the light of the world.
The light of Christ shines brightly in the world today, even in the darkness of our
cold winter hearts. Sometimes this light is obvious and bright and sometimes it seems
to be only a flicker. Take notice this week for the light of Christ's love for you,
and for the world. You won't be disappointed in your efforts, and may even be overwhelmed
with joy.
We pray: Everlasting God, the radiance of all faithful people, you brought
the nations to the brightness of your rising. Fill the world with your glory, and show
yourself to all the world through him who is the true light and the bright morning star,
your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Lessons for the Epiphany of our Lord Sunday:
- Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
- Isaiah 60:1-6
- Ephesians 3:1-12
- Matthew 2:1-12
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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