Ready for 2010?

January 6th traditionally represents Epiphany on the church calendar. The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.” Epiphany is a Christian feast day that celebrates the incarnation of Jesus Christ, his childhood, and his baptism. The “twelve days of Christmas” (Dec 25 to Jan 5) lead up to this celebration.

This Sunday we will focus on how Christians can grow spiritually as we imitate Jesus’ growth. Luke 2:40 tells us that Jesus “grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him” (TNIV). How can we be filled with wisdom and the grace of God? We’ll talk about practical ways of having a consistent personal devotional time.

I’ve been reading C. S. Lewis’ The Last Battle (the final book in the Chronicles of Narnia series). When King Tirian and the two kids Jill and Eustace are heavily outnumbered and surrounded by the wicked Calormenes, Tirian reminds the small band of warriors that although they don’t know their immediate future, God is with them–”But courage, child, we are all between the paws of the true Aslan.”

Whether you prefer the childlike image of being between the strong but gentle paws of a powerful lion or Jesus’ clear statement in Matthew 28:20: “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”–either way, God promises to be with you. That is a reality you can always count on, a reality worth celebrating!

May 2010 be the year the Lord works in your life and in our church in ways that go beyond human explanation.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21, TNIV).

-sd