Rev. Ryan's Reflection of the Week
/This past Sunday (Jan. 4) we "fused" together the Christian Calendar seasons of Christmas and Epiphany. It was the 11th day of Christmas and we sought to remember 11 Lords a Leaping (the worship was lively!) and we also turned our hearts and attention to the season of Epiphany. Epiphany is the Christian Calendar Season (this year it's 42 days) where we worship and watch... and see/sense what God might be revealing anew to us in our journey of following Jesus.
On Sunday, I encouraged us to reflect on the life of Nathanael (John 1:47) and specifically Nathanael's "epiphany" when he declares: "RABBI, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" I encouraged us to reflect on which of the 3 images resonates with you and your journey of following Jesus. ...are you enjoying Jesus as: i) teacher/mentor? ii) the humble son who has been born in a manger and yet is the great "reveal" of God? iii) or are you enjoying the presence of a God who reigns and rules, in the midst of a world that often feels like it's out of control or without hope. May one... or all 3 of those images encourage our hearts this week!
Plus... we also shared in Sarah Bessey's prayer "Open the Door: A Prayer for Welcoming a New Year." Download the prayer below or you can request a copy from the church office.