Epiphany: Star Words, Food Gifts, New Members
January 6 each year is the Christian holiday called Epiphany. It marks the last of the 12 days of Christmas and begins a new liturgical season (did you know we’re still in the season of Christmas? Don’t let anyone tell you you’re slow in taking down your decorations!). We often celebrate Epiphany on the nearest Sunday to that date, so this year that means January 8—you haven’t missed it!
The word Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation,” and refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ in the world—we celebrated his birth just 10 days ago, and Christ continues to “appear” in the world around us. Called Three Kings Day in some cultures, Epiphany has also traditionally been the day we remember the star’s appearance and the magi’s visit to present their gifts to the Christ child in Bethlehem.
Our tradition at First Congregational has been to bring food gifts for families served by the Bellingham Food Bank. For many years our children have had this opportunity to dress up once again and reenact part of our faith story, rooting its message more deeply in all of our spirits. During worship this Sunday we will have magi and shepherds and angels collecting our communal gifts and placing them around the manger. Please bring non-perishable food items or financial gifts for the Food Bank.
A newer Epiphany tradition to our congregation is to receive a star word—a surprise word that might help guide your spiritual reflections through 2023. Your word may startle or inspire you; excite or challenge you; instill trepidation as you wonder how it could manifest in your living this new year. You’ll have an opportunity to pick a star word in worship on Sunday, or, if you’re worshiping in the Bigger Balcony (online), you can click here and ask for one to be mailed to you.
Finally, we’ll also have a few new members join in covenant with First Congregational Church of Bellingham this week. These are folk who’ve followed a star that led them to our church at this moment in time. As we remember Christ appears in different manifestations, perhaps you will meet Christ in one of them, or they might meet Christ in you!
In expectation,
Sharon
