Confronted by the problems of the world, and all of the needs that exist among people, we might feel we are inadequate for the task. We become our own worst enemies, or others put requirements in place thinking some people are inadequate to take on the task. But being called by God is a moment in which trust is placed with us to carry the message; we having been created and placed in this specific era and geographic location for a reason. What might God be removing from your path, and challenging in terms of your skills, to know where and how to bring that help where it is needed?

God gives to his people, the church, the ability “to dig up and pull down, to destroy and demolish, to build and plant”. But never in a way that benefits one person, or one group, alone. In the same manner Jesus was given the ability to speak the truth for the benefit of all people, we are called to use the one gift to realize what is most important. How are you being asked to share that greatest gift?

Many are familiar with the Bible as the word of God, the collection of laws and guidelines for his people to follow. But does the Law comprise solely of rules and regulations to be checked off like a list? Or does the meaning of the Law go much deeper than that, to Instruct us of what we must prize and prioritize now?

We are told that the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the abilities revealed and granted by the Holy Spirit, are supposed to be for the “common good”. But what is the common good, what and who does it benefit, and how do we even find and see it within the tempest of opinions held by others? In a particular miracle done by Jesus in a small town called Cana, we receive that definition and are challenged in its implications.

Jesus began his ministry by being baptized by God and receiving the Holy Spirit. The act, and sacrament, of baptism is a declaration to the world of who we now serve. But it is also a declaration by God to the world, and to us, of what he is willing to do to have us and make us his own. How do you believe God views you in how you are living your life, and what changes when you hear the most powerful being in the universe declare: “You are mine”?

The celebration of Epiphany commemorates when the wise men followed the eastern star to discover the location of the new-born Christ. Three foreign kings left their fortunes, homes, and easy lives to respond to the promises of God to the world. In our lives how willing are we to respond to what God shows us? What is worth us taking that step of faith?

The coming of Christ means that the light of God has illuminated our world. But what does humanity look like once it is in full view of God’s radiance? God does not come to condemn as a result, rather to allow his light to guide onto a better path. Jesus’ life is one of example, in showing what it means to be a true Israelite who seeks after and lives for God. What does that example give us the opportunity to see, and to explore of our new lives with him?

Adapted from a “Lessons and Carols” service featuring a retelling of the Nativity story (Isaiah 9:1-7; Luke 1:26-38, 46-55; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7; Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 2:1-12; Titus 2:11-3:8). In hearing the story we have heard so many times before, what does it offer to those who already know its ending? To those who are aware of the light that has come into the world, how exactly does it illuminate and guide our actions?

God has promised to be with us and among us in everything we do. That is the sole promise of the season: God’s love is made available to us, and we never have to search for it like everything else in our lives. But in God promising to be with us, to lead us, is for no ordinary reason and does not relegate him to be a background character. His promise to be with us, to gift us light and guidance, is an indication of what he desires our lives to move forward toward. What does the presence of God mean, and what vision of life does that call us to have?

This time of the year focuses a lot on the idea of giving. Giving gifts, giving money, giving time to others. It can also be an exhausting practice, because the more we give to others means the less we have for ourselves. We strive to shine God’s light and give it to others, but struggle to maintain it in the midst of our own situations. But God promises to be the one who is our want and desire, so we might never have to worry about running out for others- or ourselves.