Dear friends in Christ,
Thank you for extending me such a warm welcome this past Sunday. I loved joining you for worship and I look forward to the months ahead.
Yesterday was my first full day in the office and I was given a helpful orientation by your friendly Office Coordinator, Mark Donahue. I also had my first meeting with your bible study group, who likewise warmly welcomed me into their midst. I'm already beginning to feel at home. I hope others of you will feel free to drop by on Wednesdays for a visit or schedule an appointment.
Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, that day on the liturgical calendar when we remember the story of the magi, who were the first Gentiles to see the manifestation of the Christ Child. (The word 'epiphany' comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means appearance or manifestation.) The Epiphany season extends from now until Ash Wednesday, and its theme is light. I invite you to mark this day with this prayer:
O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
I hope to see you this coming Sunday when we observe the Baptism of Christ.
Faithfully,
Pastor Luther