News Year’s Eve 2020. We waited with great anticipation for the clock to strike midnight and the Ball in Time Square to drop hoping that with a flip of the calendar, 2021 will be a better year.
Last year was filled with much heartache. From the changes to daily-life that the Covid-19 virus brought upon us to the politically polarizing elections which divided us. 2020 saw us trying to understand the world through the eyes of others, especially those of our sisters and brothers whose skin is black or brown.
I reviewed my article from January 2020 to see what I wrote. I spoke of fine-tuning our lives by looking beyond ourselves and basing our lives and ministry on how Christ lived and acted.
I spoke of seeing the forgiveness and mercy Jesus brings to humanity. How he lifted people so that they saw themselves in a new light – freed from what was holding them down – allowing them to live anew.
This year (and I write this on January 7, the day after Epiphany and as well as the day after the bizarre events at the U.S. Capitol building), I would like us to draw our focus from the lessons of the Epiphany of our Lord. According to Matthew, the Magi follow the star until it stopped. And there, hardly able to contain themselves with the joy they felt, they entered the house and upon seeing the child with Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him presenting him with their gifts.
This new year will have much opportunity to share the gifts God has given us. Even though we continue to Zoom our worship services at this time and operate not from within the walls of our building, there is much opportunity to use the gifts that God has provided.
The Isaiah 60 text for Epiphany calls us to, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Yes, the light of Christ has come upon us. Let us live as beacons of hope in this world. Let us reach out to family, neighbors, those around us, and those around the world with forgiveness, strength, and love through Christ who forgives us, heals us and loves us no matter what.
May the year 2021 be one of great promise for this world in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior! Pastor Tim