The Christian year, beginning with Advent, recapitulates and celebrates the life of Jesus and of the earliest church. We began with Advent, the celebration of the hope of the prophets for a savior and the coming of that savior in the person of Christ. The two Sundays of Christmastide celebrated Jesus’ birth.

The Season of Epiphany begins on January 6 with the Feast of the Epiphany and brings an official end to the Twelve Days of Christmas. One way the church has celebrated this feast has been to burn Christmas trees or a portion of them in a joint celebration. What an appropriate way to begin this season, because epiphany in Greek means literally “to shin on.” We will continue that tradition at the Epiphany party, Sunday, January 4 at Messiah Lutheran. Bring a limb from your tree to burn. If you used an artificial tree, feel free to bring a branch of green.

Epiphany celebrates Jesus manifestation to Israel in his public ministry. The first Sunday celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (January 11 this year). Jesus’ temptations and the beginning of his public ministry followed his baptism. We baptize on this Sunday and renew our baptismal covenant each year.

The joint Epiphany party with Messiah Lutheran gives us another opportunity to strengthen our ties with them. We enjoy joint communion with The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Messiah is our ELCA neighbor. Do plan to attend this event at their location, Atlee and Meadowbridge Roads at 4 PM Sunday.

God's Peace,

David Perkins, Vicar