By Joyce D. Sohl
Epiphany is the Greek word for manifestation or revelation. It is the season between Christmastide and Lent and is a period of celebrating the Incarnation’s availability for all people. It is during Epiphany that each person can hear, see and experience anew Christ’s manifestation in their own hearts and lives. Not only is God with us, but God is in us!
May the light of the star guide me once again to see Jesus as the Light of the World.
May that Light allow me to see God within each person that I meet.
May that Light lead me enact words and deeds of justice, mercy and love.
In the name of the Light, I pray. Amen Read Matthew 2:1-12
By water in the Jordan, Jesus was baptized by John
By water I too have been baptized and called by name to be a faithful disciple of Jesus.
May I remember my baptism and renew my commitment to live as a beloved child of God.
In the name of the Beloved Son, I pray. Amen Read Matthew 3:13-17
Mary asked Jesus to provide the wine for the wedding party.
He didn’t want to, but he did and a miracle was performed.
Turning water into wine is full of mystery and so is the miracle of your love for me.
May your love be manifested to all God’s people during this season of Epiphany.
In the name of the Miracle Worker, I pray. Amen Read John 2;1-11
Jesus found in the prophet Isaiah his life’s mission.
He read from the scroll and in the process proclaimed his reason for being: to help the poor; release the captives; make the blind to see; free the oppressed; and proclaim the year of the Lord.
This is my job too as a follower of this Jesus.
Grant me, dear God the courage and grace to do what is required.
In the name of the One who heeded God’s call, I pray. Amen Read Luke 4:14-21
Preaching to the home-folks is often difficult as Jesus discovered.
But he did it and challenged them and us to pay attention to those on the margins.
I am so thankful that Jesus made it very clear that his message was for everyone, both Jew and Gentile.
May I remember this and not exclude anyone.
In the name of the All-inclusive Savior, I pray. Amen Read Luke 4:21-30
Epiphany in 2016 extends until Ash Wednesday, February 10. May it be a time of renewal and growth on your spiritual journey.
Joyce D. Sohl has been Laywoman-in-Residence since 2009 as a full-time volunteer. She retired as CEO of United Methodist Women in 2004. She is the author of 4 books, a teacher, retreat leader, writer and non-professional musician. Here at the Center her work is in the area of Spirituality & the Arts with such programs as Tuesdays in the Chapel, Vespers & All That Jazz, Poet’s Corner, and quarterly retreats and art exhibits.