On Epiphany Sunday, we remember the story of the wise men who came in search of Jesus. When they encountered Jesus they soon realized that they could not go back on the same path. They had to go home by a different road. The path that we take in life goes through many twists and turns, and when we encounter Jesus Christ it should change the path we take in life, just as it did for the wise men.

Paul's ministry began after Jesus' death, and yet his message was often one of peace, hope, joy and love. On the last Sunday of the year, we will read one of Paul's Christmas wishes he wrote for his friend, Titus. What Christmas wishes do you have for this new year?

John tells a different story than all the others. His story begins before time, with God's Word moving and acting and creating the world. John's story is the story of light, brilliant light that overcomes all the darkness in the world. This Christmas we need to hear God's Word once again and experience Jesus Christ in the flesh again, so that we may once again walk in the light of God.

When we think of the Christmas story, we think of the Gospel of Luke. Luke tells us about the angel that appears to Mary. Luke tells us about the census and about the journey to Bethlehem. Luke tells us about the manger. Luke tells us about the shepherds and the angels and the good news of great joy. Luke's story has inspired nativity plays, artwork and Christmas hymns. Luke's story comforts us and reminds us that Jesus came to comfort the last, the least, and the lost people of the world.

December 15: Matthew's Story, Matthew 1:18-25, Brad Clayton

The Gospel of Mark says nothing about Jesus' birth or childhood. But the Gospel of Mark does teach us a great deal about Advent. Advent is a season when we are called to prepare for the birth of Jesus. we are called to prepare for Jesus to come into our lives, to give our lives to the newborn King. Advent is not a time to rush through and get to Christmas, but is a time to slow down and prepare for how our lives will be changed with Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.

Water is used all throughout the Bible as a symbol of life and death and life again. Water keeps us clean. Water keeps us alive. Water is so constant and powerful that it can erode the earth and change the shape of our planet. Water is a symbol for God, for God gives us life, cares for us in death and God changes the world through God's constant and powerful love.

Each region of the world has its own staple food. For Ireland, it has always been potatoes. Southerners have their grits. Other parts of the world use noodles, or rice, or tortillas. These basic staple foods fill their stomach and answer their hunger. Jesus Christ tells us that we look for sustenance in all the wrong places. It is Christ alone that sustains us, and it is Christ who calls us to faithfulness.

Jesus' first miracle in the Gospel of John took place at a wedding. As they celebrated as friends and family, the wine ran out and Jesus turned water into wine. Wine is one of the elements that we use during communion. Wine -- at the wedding at Cana and at the Passover -- reminds us that we should celebrate and be joyful because of the gracious love of God.

The two sacraments are set apart in the Reformed faith. Jesus calls us to celebrate the Lord's Supper in remembrance and calls us to baptize people of all nations. What makes something sacred? What is the difference between an idol and something sacred?