Dear Friends in Christ,
As I mentioned last week, we now find ourselves in Epiphany season. It’s the season between Christmastide and Lent. It starts on the 13th day after Christmas, lasts four to nine weeks depending on the date of Easter, and ends on Transfiguration Sunday, just before Ash Wednesday.

Epiphany literally means “appearance.” In the church, it refers to the appearance and manifestation of Christ Jesus to the world. In essence, it refers to a growing awareness that Jesus, the ”babe born in Bethlehem,” was more than he appeared to be – one who grew up to be “in the league of the highly esteemed Abraham and Elijah.” And, he would be one to hold many titles ranging from Rabbi or “Teacher” to Savior and Lord.

Epiphany is a season for asking ourselves, ”What do we make of all of this? And, who does this Christ-child grow up to be for us?”

For me, Jesus is divinely “human.” He’s the one who teaches me of my purpose as a human being and shows me how to fulfill calling as one of God’s chosen stewards of creation. But this baby born so long ago in Bethlehem, who – and what – is he for you?

Blessings of Epiphany Season,
Pastor Ed