In every text book that talks about care for the sick and hurting, there is always a section that in Christian circles we would call, “the ministry of presence.” In short, the idea is that the greatest thing one can bring is themselves; to be actively “there,” listening and focusing with a caring heart on the one who is sick and hurting. It is a such a powerful gift to give another who is sick and hurting your presence so that they know and feel that they are not alone. As I have shared with countless people who are a little hesitant about visiting someone, this “ministry of presence” is the second greatest gift a Christian can give someone. What is the first? The presence of Jesus. During Christmas, we focused on Jesus as Immanuel, God with us always. Where in your life right now do you need to know and receive His presence brand new? And where is God calling you to the “ministry of presence” as you share His presence?

In every text book that talks about care for the sick and hurting, there is always a section that in Christian circles we would call, “the ministry of presence.” In short, the idea is that the greatest thing one can bring is themselves; to be actively “there,” listening and focusing with a caring heart on the one who is sick and hurting. It is a such a powerful gift to give another who is sick and hurting your presence so that they know and feel that they are not alone. As I have shared with countless people who are a little hesitant about visiting someone, this “ministry of presence” is the second greatest gift a Christian can give someone. What is the first? The presence of Jesus. During Christmas, we focused on Jesus as Immanuel, God with us always. Where in your life right now do you need to know and receive His presence brand new? And where is God calling you to the “ministry of presence” as you share His presence?

There is a great scene in the “Lord of the Rings” second movie, where King Theoden, overcome with the great evil and seemingly overwhelming destructive force that is against him and his people, with all that he thought secure crumbling around him, for a moment loses his perception of who he is –his very identity - and cries out, “Who am I?”…to which a loyal soldier replies, “You are our king, sire.” Do you ever struggle with your identity?...especially when there is great changes and upheavals around you? Jesus came at Christmas revealing who He was and is and always will be. Today, He would open our eyes to see anew our identity in Him, the Rock who never changes.

There is a great scene in the “Lord of the Rings” second movie, where King Theoden, overcome with the great evil and seemingly overwhelming destructive force that is against him and his people, with all that he thought secure crumbling around him, for a moment loses his perception of who he is –his very identity - and cries out, “Who am I?”…to which a loyal soldier replies, “You are our king, sire.” Do you ever struggle with your identity?...especially when there is great changes and upheavals around you? Jesus came at Christmas revealing who He was and is and always will be. Today, He would open our eyes to see anew our identity in Him, the Rock who never changes.

Have you ever wondered how all the pieces go together in your life? There seems to be so many questions, so much mystery in our stories. Is there a plan to it all? And if so, where do you –and I – fit in? Today, we look at the story of the wisemen. It is a story full of mystery and unanswered questions, but also one of grace and of God’s plan revealed. It is also a reflection of our stories. We call this celebration of the wisemen, “The Epiphany.” An Epiphany is like an awakening, like a bright light exploding in a pitch dark room. It is an “aha!” given from God. The story continues….your story and mine.

Have you ever wondered how all the pieces go together in your life? There seems to be so many questions, so much mystery in our stories. Is there a plan to it all? And if so, where do you –and I – fit in? Today, we look at the story of the wisemen. It is a story full of mystery and unanswered questions, but also one of grace and of God’s plan revealed. It is also a reflection of our stories. We call this celebration of the wisemen, “The Epiphany.” An Epiphany is like an awakening, like a bright light exploding in a pitch dark room. It is an “aha!” given from God. The story continues….your story and mine.

Another year lived…and another year beginning. It is like we sit on a divide in this moment of time which connects us in both directions. What gifts of grace are you thankful for in this past year? What joys given to you by God’s grace? And as you look back on the year, where do you need healing, comfort, and peace? What wrong can you not fix or change because it is done and there is no going back? Where do you need a new beginning? And, conversely, what questions do you have concerning the coming year? What concerns, fears, and doubts? Where do you need grace in the coming year? Today, God would once again remind us that He has the past covered and in the new day of this year, we have a new beginning to live life in the AD – in the grace that we know in Jesus. The past is covered in grace! With great anticipation we look forward in this new year to what God, in His grace, will do in us, for us, and through us!

Another year lived…and another year beginning. It is like we sit on a divide in this moment of time which connects us in both directions. What gifts of grace are you thankful for in this past year? What joys given to you by God’s grace? And as you look back on the year, where do you need healing, comfort, and peace? What wrong can you not fix or change because it is done and there is no going back? Where do you need a new beginning? And, conversely, what questions do you have concerning the coming year? What concerns, fears, and doubts? Where do you need grace in the coming year? Today, God would once again remind us that He has the past covered and in the new day of this year, we have a new beginning to live life in the AD – in the grace that we know in Jesus. The past is covered in grace! With great anticipation we look forward in this new year to what God, in His grace, will do in us, for us, and through us!

We were in Denver, Colorado the day the Broncos won their first Super Bowl. It was amazing. If you went outside while the game was being played the whole city was like a ghost town, it was so quiet! But once the final whistle blew, everyone went outside shouting and yelping and honking their horns. It was pure celebration….pure joy! Christmas joy is meant for the whole world. We especially celebrate it today.

We were in Denver, Colorado the day the Broncos won their first Super Bowl. It was amazing. If you went outside while the game was being played the whole city was like a ghost town, it was so quiet! But once the final whistle blew, everyone went outside shouting and yelping and honking their horns. It was pure celebration….pure joy! Christmas joy is meant for the whole world. We especially celebrate it today.