Last night I had the chance to be a part of our annual Epiphany Service. In my experience, most Christians have a vague idea that it involves wise men from afar bringing gifts to baby Jesus. We have seen it in Christmas videos or acted out by children in scenes of the Nativity. Like every Biblical story, it may appear simple but always challenges us to go deeper and to ask the greater questions of life, purpose, and calling. Beneath the simplicity, we rediscover what it means to come to know the One whose birth changed the course of time. Historians believe the magi sacrificed greatly by traveling hundreds of miles to find the Messiah Child. When they brought the best of what they had, they were communicating their commitment, adoration, and love for Jesus. I am asking each of you, is there anything you can give to Jesus or give up for Jesus in 2021 that would say the same thing?
Over these last several months, in so many times, places and conversations people have communicated: “I am just trying to get out of 2020!” As we ushered in the new year, I heard a question that has challenged me to think differently; “Maybe we need to start asking ourselves what is God trying to get out of me in 2021?!”
