COTN In The Word

 NOW THAT THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER....

        So, the decorations are put away, we are wearing the clothes we got as gifts, the new tech toys are being used (and maybe returned!) and now we can get back to work and get our lives back in order!! 

        Or so it seems. We look out our window here in the Adirondacks and we see the snow, the frosted over windows, people bundled up, and many of us are already counting down the days till spring.

        Sometimes we get so discouraged about this time of year. A lot of it has to do with the build up to the holidays but it is a "downer" for many people. Now if you enjoy the cold and snow with outdoor activities, that's great! But this weather will sometimes dictate our emotions and attitudes in our everyday life. Do we allow it? I will sometimes let it!

        But lets think about what this time is right now. In the church today, we are entering the time of Epiphany. Now I have talked about this in the past but I will share what I know about this. First, epiphany means: a moment of piercing awareness, the sudden jolt of understanding, revelation,etc.

It begins on January 6th, after the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is the season of celebrating the revelation of the Savior to the world! Now there are some customs that some religions and beliefs do that I don't really partake in because this is about Jesus coming into the world; not religious rituals (not that all are bad). 

         This season has some events and themes that we should really look into and study. Here are a few:

= The visit of the Magi

=The baptism of Jesus

=The wedding feast at Cana

=The ministry of Jesus

=The calling of the disciples

=The teachings of Christ

=The miracles of Christ

=The Transfiguration

           And that is just some of what is in the Word that we need to go over and really seek the Lord during this time leading into Lent.

           In Matt.5:14-16, we are called to be a light to the world. We have to read the Word daily to be able to be ready for the divine appointments that will come across our path everyday. Think about how that light in the sky guided the Magi to Jesus. Do you want to be a light to others? 

           The Magi symbolizes the kings of the world will bow down to worship the true King of Kings! Even as a small baby, people were drawn to Jesus!!            

           So, during this time, we need to be studying the Word, praying, worshiping, the true King of all heavens and the earth!

           I need to study His life, hear His voice, and obey His Word!!

           It will make this "weather" a lot better to get through!!!

God Bless!!

Paul