Happy New Year

By John Huss – Posted on
We were gearing up for Christmas for two months. The Advent season is one of preparation. The anticipation is palpable both within the church and culturally. Then as soon as we celebrate, it seems we move on so quickly to what’s next. That’s partially because Christmas is just a short week before the transition to the New Year. And beginning a year is an opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
The end of the Christmas season on the church calendar is also a transition – from celebrating Jesus arriving in the manger to revealing who He is. Epiphany is the season that brings the Light of Christ into the darkness. The same Light that John describes (see John ch.  1) shining in the darkness illuminates our hearts as His identity is shown to us.
Jesus is the Light that shines. He is the Light of the World. He has arisen like the dawn and is lighting the Way to everlasting life. We see the light by faith as He is revealed in His word.
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
   and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you
As we begin this New Year, we see God at work in us and among us. We see Him through what we can learn about Him. We see Him with the magi. We respond to His call with the disciples. We reflect His light through our lives so others can see Him too. We don’t just want to see and know – we want to reflect and make Him known. May the glory of Jesus be seen upon us!
Happy New Year; Happy Epiphany,
Pastor John