Peace be with you, Beloved.
Happy New Year! Christmas is still upon us as we continue to celebrate Christmastide in our homes, churches, and hearts. However, it will soon draw to an end as we transition into a new season: Epiphany. Epiphany begins on Jan. 6 and will continue until the time of Lent. The season primarily focuses on the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. In simpler terms, it is God making Gods-self known to the Gentiles (non-Israelites) and revealing to them that Salvation is also proffered to them. Typically, when Epiphany begins, the Church focuses on the story of the Magi in Matthew 2.
Epiphany, however, is more than just this story. It is more than just the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. For Epiphany happens all throughout the New Testament. For example, just prior to the event with the Magi, the Angels appear in front of the Shepherds, declaring to them that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and that, in Him, there is Redemption. In this way, we come to discover that Epiphany was given to the Jews. Like to the Magi afterward, in that unique and wonderous moment, God reveals Christ to the Israelites and declares that He shall Save them. Moreover, we see the Epiphanic call toward invitation as both the Israelite shepherds and the Gentile Magi are invited to come into the Presence of Christ and to worship Him.
During this season of Epiphany, we will be entering into a new Sermon Series that explores the truth and reality of Epiphany. Who are the ones in the New Testament that receive Epiphany? And what lessons can we glean from their experiences and stories? This upcoming Sunday, we will begin exploring that question by focusing on God’s Epiphany to the Magi.
We will also partake of the Eucharist, which is quite appropriate to do on the day of Epiphany. As the star revealed and invited the Magi to Christ, so too is the Eucharistic Table for us. For at the Table, the Presence of Christ is mysteriously present. In the Bread, which is Body, and the Wine, which is Blood, the Table shines to us like the star, revealing and manifesting Christ to us and inviting us into the Divine Presence of the Son of God.
So, fill up the pews and come to Church!
If you can make it, then I hope to see you there. And if not, then you can watch our service on our website ( www.dansvilleumc.org ) or right here on our FaceBook page at 11am.
You can prepare for our Epiphany Worship service, Jan. 7, 2024,
by reading Matt. 2: 1-11.
With compassion, love, and prayer,
Pastor Michael
