As we begin a new year and draw near to the Feast of
Epiphany, what sounds are filling your life, your home, your heart?
Is that of guests who you have enjoyed time with during this
Christmas Season?
Is it the echoes of a voice of a loved one who you miss?
Is it music which is filling your soul?
Is it the words of a promise for this new year?
Is it hope?
Is it love?
Is it Christ?
The new year is always an opportunity to reflect back on
what was and to look ahead renewed. Regardless if we are resolution makers or
gratitude listers or neither, it is important to pause and listen to what our
heart is saying and what we hear in the stillness.
As the Magi journeyed towards their destination, I’m sure there
were many quiet moments but they must have had many conversations, sharing
thoughts, ideas and dreams. Conversations about the Messiah, about the signs in
the sky, about their expectations and longings. Sharing thoughts from their
backgrounds and cultures and ideas of what could be and dreams for what the
Messiah could offer for the peoples. I imagine after this there was then the
quiet stillness allowing the sharing to steep in their hearts.
Who are you in conversation with?
Who do you need to have a conversation with as this new year
begins and the great feast of the manifestation of God is upon us? What needs
to be said?
What thoughts, ideas and dreams do you need to listen to and
bring to life?
What is it about these ideas and dreams (God used dreams to
give messages) that are speaking to you? What is your heart hearing?
Where are you allowing quiet stillness to give you space to
listen?
The Magi asked, “Where is the child who has been born king
of the Jews?”
This is a question we must ask ourselves.
Where is the Christ Child, with all his wonder and awe and
love, in your life?
Have I been seeking this Child and what he offers to me in
freedom?
When have I fallen down to adore and give thanks for the
blessings of this Holy Child?
These are a lot of questions for us to ponder during this
Epiphany time. As Christmas bells begin to fade, carols start to soften and
festive sounds disappear, may the sounds which have filled this season now
invite you into a quiet season to ponder. May this time to reflect then empower
you to “rise up” with holy curiosity and courage to walk in the splendor of the
Child of Light born for us and for all people.
A few songs for your listening and heart reflection as we continue
the celebration of Christmas, begin a New Year and journey towards Epiphany!
The Light Came Down – Josh Garrels
An invitation to pay attention to the message of the Light.
We Three Kings – The Hound + The Fox, Tim Foust
A reminder that our journey is not done alone and that our
gifts are valuable.
Rise Up in Splendor – Aaron Thompson
The call to walk in the light, trusting the voice of God is
speaking to our heart.
Refugee King – Liz Vice, Hannah Glavor
The voices of our hurting world continue to call, let us pay
attention to where we encounter the Christ Child.
As we journey under the Star of Wonder,
may our ears and hearts be attentive
to the song God sung through Christ
born among us, born for us,
so to fill us with the sound of love
and the beauty of light
as we carry this love and light
into the world
each day of this New Year.
Amen.
Epiphany Blessings! Happy New Year!
Photo Credit: Robert
Thiemann
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