A Prayer for Epiphany
By Rev. Nathan Decker
God with us,
God revealed in us,
God come to us, Emmanuel:
Long hidden within our heart’s barren womb;
Too often explained away by our mind’s idol of reason;
and so many moments kept captive in our soul’s chains of doubt.
Show forth among us,
Bread of Life!
Be manifest here this day,
Cup of Salvation!
Great God of the Epiphany,
this day reveal your salvation
to the poor who hunger for your nourishment,
to the seekers who travel across deserts for your drink,
to us gathered here, who desire you.
Great God of the Epiphany,
this day reveal your salvation
Through the one who saves us, Jesus Christ, Amen.
*****
Happy New Year, Friends! It seems like a year we agree we are thankful to move on from December to January, to a fresh calendar, and a new perspective! Today I am praying for a light to guide us as the star illuminated the way to the Christ Child. Are you hoping God will lead you to an epiphany in your life? Where do you need light, a well-lit path, a person or place which glows and draws you near?
In the Epiphany story, we see the wise ones making their way to a young Jesus. They followed a star to find him. And yet, they knew from other sources that a baby, a leader, a king was coming. The wise one did not simply leave home and wander until they found something or someone cool. They were aware that Someone important would be there, at the manger, when they arrived. What are you looking for that you already feel is needed or important? What is capturing your attention these days or what need do you sense is coming? Is the Holy Spirit guiding you?
And when they arrive, the ones who had followed simply knew, they bowed and offered their gifts. Without a doubt, they proclaimed they had found the Glorious One, the Newborn King, God with us. Oh, to have this kind of assurance and faith and joy in the presence of the Holy One! I pray as you step out in faith in this new year, seeking and being guided, that you will find yourself surely in the presence of the Lord. I hope you will allow your faith to guide you and the Light of Christ shine forth from you in this Epiphany season.
I look forward to gathering with you on Jan. 14th either in the morning or evening for our Harbor District Meeting. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Tara
If you would like to view past editions of Time with Tara, follow this link: https://harbordistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/