By Rev. Dr. Sherrie Connelly on the occasion of the Epiphany. January 5, 2020. New Church of Montgomery, at the Glendale New Church.
Isaiah 60: 1-6
The light has come with the Lord’s glory.
All nations will come together into the light.
In radiance your heart will thrill.
Camels will bring gold and frankincense.
Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14
A psalm of liberation freeing those who are oppressed. The rain refreshes the earth and beings kneel before the Lord.
Ephesians 3:1 to 12 Paul speaks of how he has come to understand the mystery that is Christ. To help all see the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.
Matthew 2: 1-12 the wise men from the east came to Jerusalem asking after the child proclaimed king of the Jews. They noted the star which they had followed. Herod hearing this posed a threat to the child. When the star stopped they found Mary and the Christ child, brought him gifts, and returned home by another route.
Emanuel Swedenborg Divine Providence (Dicht Pulsford, n. 178) man anticipates the future but does not predict it; has no knowledge of it. In this we have hope. He is free and his reason, prompted by his loves – Delight is completed and the event and cause and effect must operate together, in tandem, interdependent, each on the other two.
Blog by Christine Valters Paintner
Seven Lessons of Epiphany
1. Follow the star to where it leads
2. Embark on the journey, however Long or difficult.
3. Open yourself to wonder along the way.
4. Bow down at the holy encounters in messy places.
5. Carry your treasures and give them away freely.
6. Listen to the wisdom of dreams.
7. Go home by another way.
New Church of Montgomery, in Glendale 