January 6: The Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.”

No matter what.  No matter that today you’re sick, and the power has gone out in a storm, and you're alone.  No matter that you fought with your best friend, your spouse, your lover.  No matter that the church you count on to radiate glory is fallen into disrepair and despair.  No matter that the bills are sitting in a pile.  No matter what, your light has come.  Arise, shine.  If you can’t arise, then sit and shine, lie down and shine; but shine.  The glory of the LORD has risen upon you, and no one can take it from you.  No government, no bank, no boss, no court; no priest or minister; no one.  It’s here, now, waiting for you.  It’s a treasure beyond gold, and incense, and myrrh, beyond a bulging bank account, beyond your health.  It’s a treasure beyond life as you know it.  And no one, no thing, can separate you from it.

Give thanks today for the gifts you have received, and those you have been able to give.  Give thanks for the glory, for the light, and for the darkness that lets you see your need.  Give thanks.

We will be in silence from tomorrow until January 12.  I will be switching off all devices.  I’ll be back on January 13.  This has become my own version of lectio divina, so I plan to continue (with occasional absences).  Thank you for walking through Advent and Christmas with me!  May you be blessed on your journey, not stopping until you reach the one your heart longs for.