The View from the Pulpit:

Dear People of God at Resurrection,

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST SCATTERS THE DARKNESS

The word “Epiphany” literally means an “uncovering” or an “unveiling.”  Epiphany tells the story of God’s presence gradually unveiled in the life of Jesus.  From the visit of the Magi to Jesus’ luminous appearance to His disciples on a mountain top, Epiphany reminds us that the light and hope of Jesus’ life has scattered the darkness for all sorts of folks – people of every race, language, culture and nation.  The love of God comes in all sorts of packages, in the glories of great music and art, in Scripture and the writings of fine Christian authors, in stories handed down from generation to generation, but also in the quiet conversation and the consolation of fellow believers; in the needs of the poor, the lonely, the aged and the young, the despised and rejected.  Epiphany is a long season this year.  Ash Wednesday and Lent are down the road in March, 2019.  Do not hesitate to use these weeks of wintry light to reflect on where and in whom you see the light of Christ, and take the opportunity to say to those Christ-bearers, “THANK YOU!”  Thank you for sharing the love of God with me and our community!

AND BE SURE TO REFLECT THE LIGHT OF THE SAVIOR YOURSELF!

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THIS NEW YEAR . . . It is never too late to begin a new habit – or to re-covenant our side of the promise with God – or to name anew the responsibilities we have as faith-filled people.  The following serves as a model for living our faith in the New Year of 2019:

Mend a quarrel

Seek out a forgotten friend

Dismiss a suspicion; replace it with trust

Give a soft answer

Encourage youth

Keep a promise

Find the time

Forego a grudge

Forgive an enemy

Listen – then listen again!

Apologize if you are wrong

Try to understand

Think of someone to help

Be kind; be gentle

Laugh a little

Laugh a little more

Welcome a stranger

Speak your love

Speak it again and again!

 

TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!

 

Your Fellow Servant, in Christ our Lord,

Pastor Hank Hollar