First Presbyterian Church Of San Anselmo

On Epiphany Sunday, we consider the two journey stories that we find in Matthew 2 -- the journey of the Magi seeking the Christ, and the journey of Joseph, Mary, and Joseph as they seek refuge in Egypt. In a world of disruption and power-over, God accompanies us and empowers us to find our way to the new life birthed in Jesus Christ.

Into a menacing world, in Jesus Christ, God is birthing a new humanity, grounded in human decency and overflowing with tender mercy.

God longs for a just world, ordered to center the well-being of the poor and vulnerable.

In a world of violence and war, we long for peace. In our longing, we find God already longing for us, ready to teach us the ways that lead to peace.

God empowers us to see the good that God is doing in the world, give thanks, and then live out our gratitude in ways that keep putting more and more good into the world.

In troubled times, God is creating and inviting us into simplicity of living and relationships grounded in peace.

Out of the rubble, God encourages us to rebuild: Something will rise up out of this, and we will build it together.

God keeps watch with us over the trouble in this world. We, then, keep watch for how God is on the move, and join together in God’s healing, saving work.

Empathizing with Elijah in the cave, guest preacher Rev. Scott Quinn invited us to think of the stories that hold us back; to notice the nearness of God; and to know that we are seen, heard, and held.

Even in calamity, God is near, inviting us to build and plant and live to heal the world.

God exhorts us to pray for all people – including our leaders – so that all people may live free.

Constancy is a quality of God: "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever." We are called to live our lives consistently with God's steadfast love.

Over the breadth of Scripture, humanity encounters God, not only in the bright light of day, but when the shadows fall, and the world becomes still. At night, God keeps close, and we will not be left alone.

Jesus rejects the world’s separations and the “politics of disgust,” and insists that we welcome everyone to the table of community and shared power.

During “ordinary time” we walk with Jesus through the ordinary days of his life, just as he walks with us through the ordinary days of ours. Jesus invites us to see things as they are, to let go of attachments that hold us back, and to embrace the way of the cross that leads to life. 

In his healing hands, Jesus sets the whole world free. In the work of our hands, God’s handiwork can come to life, as well.

What is hindering you from living into the grace-filled economy of Jesus?

Revelation invites us to say Amen to God’s sovereignty in Jesus Christ, creating a new heaven and new earth, right now and forever. Amen – so be it in me, so be it in us. Come, Jesus, Come. Let today be the day.