THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR LIZ DAVIS
January 2023
Blessings to you, people of God!
The season of Christmas continues for twelve days and concludes with the festival of Epiphany on January 6. On this day, we remember the magi who travelled in search of the king whose birth was written in the stars. They saw signs and promises and followed in faith until they found their way to Jesus’ home, where they knelt and presented gifts to worship him.
After the rush of Christmas, we’re left with this compelling story of people who travelled across nations on a hope guessed at from the twinkling lights in our sky. Can you imagine packing up your things and embarking on a trip with a guessed at itinerary? What would be so important that you would?
We know there are many people today who are packing up whatever they can carry and traveling through dangerous circumstances in order to follow a hope. Some might be guessing at better opportunities in a new country, at a safer life, as they leave behind drought or violence or a lack of options in their beloved home countries. We keep these hopeful travelers in our prayers, and we join with others through the work of our ELCA and partners to support people who are away from their homes.
We receive news of our Savior in our Bibles and we continually hear interpretations about his work among us as we gather each Sunday. I wonder how the signs and promises we share in church are inspiring us to follow? Are we eagerly listening to discover where Jesus might be found among us today? Do we want to learn what it means to kneel and offer gifts to Jesus here and now?
We may not need to travel far in order to discover Jesus. We meet Jesus in our neighbors, especially our neighbors in need. We offer gifts of compassion and service, art and music, both in church and outside of the building. We kneel to honor Jesus whenever we set aside our own desires and plans in order to make room for opportunities to care, advocate, serve, and connect.
God has arrived among us. The holy is in our midst. “O come, let us adore him!”
Peace, Pastor Liz
The season of Christmas continues for twelve days and concludes with the festival of Epiphany on January 6. On this day, we remember the magi who travelled in search of the king whose birth was written in the stars. They saw signs and promises and followed in faith until they found their way to Jesus’ home, where they knelt and presented gifts to worship him.
After the rush of Christmas, we’re left with this compelling story of people who travelled across nations on a hope guessed at from the twinkling lights in our sky. Can you imagine packing up your things and embarking on a trip with a guessed at itinerary? What would be so important that you would?
We know there are many people today who are packing up whatever they can carry and traveling through dangerous circumstances in order to follow a hope. Some might be guessing at better opportunities in a new country, at a safer life, as they leave behind drought or violence or a lack of options in their beloved home countries. We keep these hopeful travelers in our prayers, and we join with others through the work of our ELCA and partners to support people who are away from their homes.
We receive news of our Savior in our Bibles and we continually hear interpretations about his work among us as we gather each Sunday. I wonder how the signs and promises we share in church are inspiring us to follow? Are we eagerly listening to discover where Jesus might be found among us today? Do we want to learn what it means to kneel and offer gifts to Jesus here and now?
We may not need to travel far in order to discover Jesus. We meet Jesus in our neighbors, especially our neighbors in need. We offer gifts of compassion and service, art and music, both in church and outside of the building. We kneel to honor Jesus whenever we set aside our own desires and plans in order to make room for opportunities to care, advocate, serve, and connect.
God has arrived among us. The holy is in our midst. “O come, let us adore him!”
Peace, Pastor Liz
