Tag: New Year

Into the Light!

On By fosteringyourfaithIn EpiphanyLeave a comment

Sandwiched between the busy seasons of Advent and Christmas and the more somber, thought-provoking weeks of Lent comes the quiet elation of Epiphany. This joy-filled season shines long after Christmas decorations have been tucked away and New Year’s resolutions have fallen to the wayside. The star lingers overhead, inviting us to venture into the unknown. Only when we move beyond the familiar will we encounter the new gifts God is offering.

  Epiphany is an often-overlooked but delightful season that offers hope in the midst of despair and light glimmering in the darkness. It reminds us of the journey of the magi, who followed mysterious messages to seek God’s promise. The star’s brilliance cajoles us to leave the safety of our routines behind.  The quiet assurance of a God who yearns to be found and who places directional signals in the sky lures us forward. God invites us to marvel at signs and wonders that point to God’s love and presence.

              Unlike Christmas and New Year, the season of Epiphany is not widely recognized in secular society. January is often regarded with the enthusiasm of a deflated balloon while the aftermath of Christmas is considered a dreary time to be endured. But in the church, Epiphany is a season of discovery, learning, and love.

In these weeks following Christmas, we are invited to bask in the light of the Christmas star. The star reminds us of the wise words that Jesus would grow up to proclaim, “People [do not] light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:15). The light is provided by God who wants to be found by us. The heavenly beacon is not an exclusive signal meant for only a few people. It shines forth beckoning to all of God’s children. Anyone who looks up will see the sign. Anyone who dares to follow will discover the riches that wait underneath.

During Epiphany, dare to ask that star some questions.

  • Where am I being led in this New Year?  Is the star offering some course correction? Should I be like the magi and experiment with a “different road” that will lead me to new experiences?
  • What might I need to leave behind in order to start on this journey? What burdens or expectations can I set aside to lighten the load?
  • As the light shines into my life, what might I discover about myself? What do I value? What new parts of myself do I want to explore?
  • What does the light reveal in our world? What needs or injustices are calling out for compassion and kindness?

The season of Epiphany lasts for eight weeks. Let us celebrate this journey of exploration, knowing we are being led by the Light of Christ.

Welcome, 2018!

On By fosteringyourfaithIn Living our faith2 Comments

It’s time to put up a new calendar. I always try to buy a calendar that reminds me of adventures from the previous year. The calendar waiting in the wings at our house is filled with pictures of the Rocky Mountains which will bring back memories of snow-capped beauty shared with family and friends.

The “New Year” is a funny thing. For some it is the pinnacle of the holiday season. For others, it’s a “ho-hum” day that slips by without notice. Whatever your attitude about this holiday, it is a moment set aside to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another.

Sometimes people are eager to leave the past behind. If it was a rugged year marred by illness or loss, people can yearn to literally “turn the page” and leave those pain-filled days behind. Some people eagerly anticipate a brand-new year as they bid “good riddance” to days gone by.

The opposite can also be true. For some, these past 12 months hold precious memories they only reluctantly leave behind. Or they are all too aware of experiences that can never be repeated. Perhaps there was a special occasion or a joy-filled celebration shared with precious loved ones that is now slipping into the distant past. Or maybe they said good-bye to someone dear to their hearts and now dread the thought of beginning a new year without that person.

Some people feel December 31st grants permission for a night of excessive partying while those struggling with addiction face the challenge of maintaining their sobriety for another hard-earned 24 hours.

The New Year can be complicated. There is, of course, nothing “magic” about January 1st. The sun will rise as the stars fade into the dawning light, just as they do on 364 other mornings. And yet we have chosen this date to reflect on the passage of time. Perhaps it helps us value the fleeting moments a bit more. Maybe the New Year will help us remember just how precious time is and how swiftly the days – and even the years – go by. Maybe we can be mindful of the people who journey with us and the planet we share.

We can celebrate quietly or don party hats and blow noise-makers. But this humbling fact remains – Human life is brief and fragile. It can change in an instant. That stark fact doesn’t need to be depressing – it just offers an importance awareness that the moments we are given are precious.  However we use them, let’s use them well.

The New Year, with its countdown clock and relentless second hand sweeping toward midnight, reminds me that we worship a timeless God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God offers love and new life every day. No matter what happens, no matter how we arrive at the New Year and no matter what the future may hold, we can be sure that God’s love and strength goes with us.

Wishing you all the best in 2018.