As we move from Advent to Ephiphany, we follow the journey of the magi in our own lives, as we search longingly for a light in the darkness, step out in faith to follow the star into the unknown, bring our gifts before Christ and return home by another route as we are transformed in the presence of God’s love.

For my congregations, Grace UMC & Shiloh UMC, this is also a day of new beginnings as we held our first joint service as a newly merged congregation. This week’s message is a bit more personal than usual in that it traces our own story as we have sought to follow God’s light to a bright new day.

I hope and pray you are inspired by our journey and that you find yourself in the Epiphany journey as you lean in toward the light of Christ in your own life.

A short written reflection on this sermon can be found on my blog at:

https://www.craigsefa.org/blog/2025/01/05/home-by-another-route

Podcast Intro recorded by Ariana Sefa