1-11-11…kind of neat – all ones - the first, the beginning, the alpha -
launching us into what is yet to come. We have just celebrated Jesus'
birth: Mary's firstborn, God's first and only son, the Messiah - the
"first fruits" of those to be raised from the dead…honored by mysterious
visitors who present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbols of
Jesus' life and purpose.
Epiphany means manifestation, or a revealing. Sometimes we say we had an
"epiphany" when something dawns on us or sinks in for the first time.
Jesus is revealed as the Savior, the Messiah, one who brings light into
darkness and hope for despair, who "comes on the wings of the dawn". So
Epiphany is also called a season of light, which happens to correspond in
America to the darker days of winter and the first months of the calendar
year. The season of Epiphany begins with the visit of the Magi, moves
quickly to Jesus' baptism, and lasts until Transfiguration Sunday (this
year March 6th) when the very light of heaven breaks forth to shine on
Jesus and he is "transfigured", or shown in glory, to the disciples with
him on the mountain.
Philippi Nicolai, a German Lutheran pastor born August 10, 1556, penned
the words and music to a great Epiphany hymn about 500 years ago, O
Morning Star, How Fair and Bright (ELW 308). Along with his most famous
Advent hymn, Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying, Nicolai is credited with
composing the King and Queen of Chorales, world-famous hymns precious to
Christianity. I find it a wonderful prayer and statement of faith, and I
hope you do too, no matter what "firsts" you are encountering, what fears
you have for this new year, or what darkness threatens you. Take a couple
of minutes to live in this hymn and make it your prayer.
Blessed Epiphany,
Carla Vanatta, Associate in Ministry
Salem Lutheran Church, Sycamore, IL
O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright
O Morning Star, how fair and bright! You shine with God's own truth and
light,
Aglow with grace and mercy!
Of Jacob's race, King David's son, Our Lord and master, You have won
Our hearts to serve You only!
Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, All victorious, Rich in blessing!
Rule and might o'er all possessing!
Come, heav'nly bridegroom, light divine, And deep within our hearts now
shine;
There light a flame undying!
In Your one body let us be As living branches of a tree, Your life our
lives supplying.
Now, though daily Earth's deep sadness May perplex us And
distress us,
Yet with heav'nly joy You bless us.
Lord, when You look on us in love, At once there falls from God above
A ray of purest pleasure.
Your Word and Spirit, flesh and blood Refresh our souls with heav'nly food.
You are our dearest treasure!
Let Your mercy Warm and cheer us! O draw near us! For You
teach us
God's own love through You has reached us.
Almighty Father, in Your Son You loved us when not yet begun
Was this old earth's foundation!
Your Son has ransomed us in love To live in Him here and above: This is
Your great salvation.
Alleluia! Christ the living, To us giving Life forever,
Keeps us Yours and fails us never!
O let the harps break forth in sound! Our joy be all with music crowned,
Our voices gladly blending!
For Christ goes with us all the way--Today, tomorrow, ev'ry day! His love
is never ending!
Sing out! Ring out! Jubilation! Exaltation! Tell the story!
Great is He, the King of glory!
What joy to know, when life is past, The Lord we love is first and last,
The end and the beginning!
He will one day, oh, glorious grace, Transport us to that happy place
Beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness! We are
yearning
For the day of Your returning!
Salem Reminders:
Celebrate the Baptism of our Lord at all Salem worship services this
weekend: 5:00 Saturday, 8:00 & 10:30 Sunday. Mike and Sharon Wadle of
First Lutheran Church in DeKalb who teach regularly at our companion synod
in Arusha, Tanzania, will preach for worship services and teach a class at
the 9:15 a.m. Hospitality Hour – education "Tanzania style".
Singers are still welcome for Salem's Children's Musical, "That's so
Daniel". Rehearsals are held Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. in the Choir
room.
Salem GEMS (older adults) meet for lunch and a program at Noon on Monday,
Jan. 17th. Bring a dish to pass and enjoy the fellowship. Gifts of
non-perishable foods or paper goods for Salem Food Pantry are collected
each month.
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