Sunday, January 5, 2014

Matthew 1: Epiphany Sermon

Worship was canceled by 6 inches of snow on January 5th, 2013. So here is the sermon I would have preached!

Good morning friends!
It is good to gather in worship with all of you! It has been a busy two weeks since I saw you last. I've had a whirlwind trip with journeys to Kansas, Philadelphia, and Colorado to see family and to perform Amy and Brendan's wedding. By the way, Amy and Brendan send their greetings and gratitude for your love and prayers. Thank you for allowing me to take time to be part of those significant moments in people's lives-weddings are one of my favorite pastoral tasks. I imagine you to come here after adventures of your own- the Holiday season usually brings some of the most intense experiences and emotions of the year. So take a deep breath, and whatever you bring this morning, whether you're recovering from the exhaustion of travel and being with family, coming down off of the Christmas high, or are feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a nice holiday break, and are roused and ready to begin a new year, you are welcome here.

In church this week, we are coming to the end of our celebration of Christmas. I know most of secular society ended the holiday on December 26th with the national celebration of returning gifts that you didn't want very much, but in the church Christmas does not end until tomorrow, January 6th. That day marks Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas when we remember the visit of the Magi from the East. So, I guess, if we're paying attention to the song, this is the day for 11 pipers piping-which we don't have this morning.