We are leaving the Advent/Christmas Season when January 6th arrives. In the Christian tradition, January 6th, is Epiphany which is celebrated as the time of magi visit to the "baby, toddler, young" Jesus. As I stated in last Sunday's sermon, it has been speculated that these stargazers from the East did not arrive to Bethlehem until Jesus was around two years of age. They saw him, as Matthew's gospel said, in a house not a manger. Over the years, many different definitions have been given to the word,Epiphany. While the Christian tradition would say it is the recognition of Gentiles illuminated by their visit to the King of the Jews. Some definitions of the word have been "a flash of insight

We are coming with joyful anticipation to the culmination of our focus on the Advent theme — Calm and Bright. This Sunday we will be focusing on the star of hope the Magi followed to the Christ child. Yes, I know I am putting the "cart before the horse" so to speak" since the story of the Magi visiting Jesus and his family usually falls around Epiphany Sunday. However, as some have asked during the sermon series, I have taken some liberties to the "traditional timeline" for lighting of the Advent candles. This Sunday has been normally devoted to the theme of love. But there is a method to my madness. I used the format designed by Marcia McFee! Her creativeness has led you and me toward Chris

What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn't extinguish the light... The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of [an] only son, full of grace and truth... From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace; as the Law was given through Moses, so grace and truth came into being through Jesus Christ. — John 1: 1-18 In the third verse of "Silent Night" we see how God gets "up close and personal" with us. In human form, God came to live and breathe, teach, and love. Therefore, we have seen "grace and truth" in the person of the Christ, and

What brings joy to your life? What is it that "lights up your heart" to where you think a fire will soon start because of the joy you feel..."down in your heart?" You remember those moments don't you? They are imprinted in your mind, soul, and heart. Many things bring me joy — being with my family, watching my grandchildren doing new things every day, waiting in expectation for another grandchild. Spending time with the kids at Spring Creek always brings me joy. I was especially joyful when we gathered with their families to go on an Advent Adventure this past Sunday. Exploring, laughing, creating, listening, and eating. And I got to experience that joy today during my devotion time. At our