This is a most appropriate connection to make especially with the three Magi, as theologically this event has been understood to be the first occasion of non-Jews (Gentiles) recognizing Jesus as Lord. This presents yet another scriptural allusion for the preacher or worship leader to consider: the blessing found in Luke 2:32 that Jesus would be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.” While non-Jewish Christians are now the norm, what would it mean to be in the minority—as once was the case? What does it mean to be the shoot rather than the stump, the branch rather than the roots (Isaiah 11:1, see also Romans 11)? In our present context, when so many people are unfamiliar with the Christian message, what can we learn about sharing the good news of the Gospel?
This sense of sharing the good news, along with the historic connections to the Baptism of the Lord and water being turned into wine, makes Epiphany a most appropriate day to designate for baptisms within the congregation or to use the liturgy for reaffirming the baptismal covenant as found in the Book of Common Worship. That same volume provides ample liturgy for the day that can be used in concert with the hymn selections found in The Presbyterian Hymnal, far beyond “We Three Kings of Orient Are.”
In Lord, Teach Us to Pray, there are a variety of spiritual practices one might employ to “behold the beauty of the Lord,” from icons, to drawings, to practices that allow us to really look at something for what it is. For example, when you are walking, or waiting in a crowd, look into the faces of those people around you, greeting them with a smile or eye contact while saying silently to yourself, “Behold, the lamb of God,” in recognition of the Christ, whom we encounter daily. In the hospitality of an Epiphany spirit, be the first to offer the right-of-way in a spirit of generosity. Pray for the safety of each passer-by, that his or her day might be blessed, or that he or she might come into new awareness of God’s presence in his or her life.
A simple opportunity for prayer and remembrance is a picture book of prayer, which can be anything from a three-ring binder to a handmade journal containing pictures that have struck you: family photographs, pictures from magazines or newspapers, or images of your church and people connected to it. Where did God appear in this situation? Do you see Christ’s face in this crowd?
Some may find it helpful to add dividers to a binder, separating the images into traditional types of prayer, such as praise, repentance, adoration, supplication, or thanksgiving. Giving thought to where a picture ought to be placed for that given day may help with discerning how God wishes you to respond. As time passes, photographs organized in this way may be reorganized as strangers become friends and places worthy of prayers of gratitude warrant intercessions for peace. Copy church directory pages to cut and paste the image of someone in need of long-term prayer.
This can easily become a family, small group, or intergenerational churchwide activity as people are encouraged to provide photographs and other images of their own choosing to combine with selections others have made. “A Year in the Life of Our Congregation” could become an annual event, not simply a photo album but an instrument of prayer to remember saints gone before us, projects that may have been a trial and tested our patience, and particular days “that the Lord has made.”
In Plain Sight provides another opportunity to discern God’s presence in the ordinary and everyday. Each month an image is posted on the Spiritual Formation Web site. You are invited to send in a prayer evoked by the photograph. What does this empty chair, these sparks of fire, or the man burdened by the sack on his back mean? Where might we see Christ in each of these? In this very real way we are afforded the means to pray together, offering up what another’s eye of the heart has seen. Along with a new photo posted early each month, images and prayers from the past can be found in our archives section, and our e-newsletter allows you to receive reminders that a new image has been posted. |
