The Intercom – January

The season of Epiphany is about light. Epiphany reminds us that Christ’s light shines in darkness and is carried into the world through ordinary people and everyday lives. I once shared this reflection, and I see it remains true today.

In our church right now at OSL…

Someone is pregnant and hopeful, hopes to be pregnant and is discouraged, passionate and motivated to respond to our world in need, apathetic and dealing with depression, excited about tomorrow, hopes things never change today, excited by the prospects of their new role, overwhelmed by their day-to-day schedule, thoughtfully and prayerfully considering the “next step” in their relationship, thoughtfully and prayerfully reflecting on end-of-life issues, not getting enough sleep at night because of their newborn baby, waking up in the middle of the night terrified by their diagnosis of cancer, grown in their faith as the Holy Spirit led them to a moment of insight, been doubting their faith in God altogether, laughing about great coincidences, angry about unfair circumstances, planning an exciting journey, stuck and unsure how to get unstuck, wishes they could be here with you at OSL, wishes they could get a fresh start somewhere else in the world where no one knows them.

Many things separate us. One thing unites us. The promise we have from God that we are held in a loving relationship that comes each day through the Holy Spirit and the new life in Jesus. In this season of Epiphany, we are reminded that Christ’s light shines in all of these places. We are called not only to receive that light but to carry it into the world. We shine when we reflect God’s love through compassion, patience, honesty, courage, and hope. We shine when we notice one another, pray for one another, and live as people shaped by the light of Christ for the sake of our neighbors.

May the light of Christ shine in you, and through you, for the sake of the world.

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Michael