Today, our reflection time was scattered throughout the service after each scripture reading. I invite you to read the scripture, then to listen to it's connected reflection.
Isaiah 60:1-6 Common English Bible (CEB) Jerusalem’s coming radiance
60 Arise! Shine! Your light has come; the Lord’s glory has shone upon you. 2 Though darkness covers the earth and gloom the nations, the Lord will shine upon you; God’s glory will appear over you. 3 Nations will come to your light and kings to your dawning radiance. 4 Lift up your eyes and look all around: they are all gathered; they have come to you. Your sons will come from far away, and your daughters on caregivers’ hips. 5 Then you will see and be radiant; your heart will tremble and open wide, because the sea’s abundance will be turned over to you; the nations’ wealth will come to you. 6 Countless camels will cover your land, young camels from Midian and Ephah. They will all come from Sheba, carrying gold and incense, proclaiming the Lord’s praises.
Reflection: Light in the darkness - give thanks!
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 English Standard Version 1-8:The coming of the Wise Ones
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise ones from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise ones secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
Reflection: The Wise Ones and the Darkness
Matthew 2:9-11. The Wise Ones and the light 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Reflection: gifts of honour
Matthew 2:12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way
Reflection: The Wise Ones... choosing the light
As part of our service today, we listened to the Queens 2019 Christmas message. (see the video attached) Where are we taking small steps to bring light into God's world.
Where do you see yourself in the Epiphany Story? Are you one of the wanderers, doing your best to follow God but occasionally losing your way? Are you Mary or Joseph finding yourself in trouble and needing help and support? Are you Herod? Finding yourself more and more concerned with your power rather than helping the lives of others? Are you part of Herod’s court…knowing that you are caught up in something horrible but unable to find your way out? Where does God want you to be? Would you be the star being the light of hope for the world, showing God’s way to others by your actions, your words, your faith lived every day?
Blessing God’s blessing will continue to nurture us, to give us the right places to grow and be ready to live into the world. Jesus’s courage will continue to light our way, showing us the road of faith we are to travel as we offer sparks of light to the world. The Holy Spirit will continue to fill us with the strength we need to be God’s love in the world. Know that God is good. Know that we are never alone. God is with us every step of the way Thanks be to God.