Epiphany is when we remember the long journey of the wise man who searched for the new King, sent from heaven. They looked to the night sky and followed the guiding light of the Spirit, until at last they arrived to see Jesus. We are on a kind of journey now. We need the hope and sense of expectation that enabled the wise men to complete their journey of vigilance. Together we celebrate the Light of God guiding us in all His goodness and mercy.  

We are only told about one moment in the childhood life of Jesus. Slipping away from his parents Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem and shared amazing wisdom and insight with the scholars gathered there. Jesus said he had to be in His Father’s house. In our continued celebration of God’s entrance into our world, we rejoice that He has come with wisdom and grace. We can now sit with Him in the sanctuary and refuge of God’s House, and be blessed by His eternal wisdom.   

After waiting and waiting Simeon and Anna were blessed beyond measure.  There in the great temple their old eyes beheld the salvation of God, the baby Jesus brought right to them. Seeing Jesus inspired in them a roaring outpouring of thanks and praise to God.  One day we will see Jesus face to face, but we are even now in the presence of the sacred mystery: God with us, Emmanuel. God bless you with joy, thanks and peace.

Welcome to Bethlehem’s Christmas Eve celebration: God is with Us.

On this sacred and magical night a beloved service of lessons and carols has been celebrated at King’s College in Cambridge, England for nearly one hundred years. Though our version will have different music we honor this grand tradition by reading from the original  lessons, and beginning and ending our service with a version of King’s College prayers.