The 12 Days of Christmas end as Epiphany begins: where the star led people to Jesus. A star that showed people from different lands, languages, and customs that hope had been born in a manger in Bethlehem, the Savior of the entire world.They knew this child was different. The Good News about this child named Jesus didn’t stay in Bethlehem, the shepherds and the Magi heralded this story to others as they traveled home. The travelers got back home and told a story of the journey, of the star that led them to Jesus and led them back again, for their own protection, by another way.

The journey of Advent is done and yet we continue to watch and wait for Jesus to come again. Christmas journeys and celebrations are a memory and decorations, for the most part, are put away. Yet, Jesus, God with us, continues his journey through the season of Epiphany.

Epiphany is a time of journeying, a time of wandering, a time of exploring led by the star. Journey with me in what it means to be a disciple, a follower of Jesus, who came to us as a human baby because of God’s love and desire to have a relationship with us. This is Good News that we can talk about – we can be a STAR which leads someone to know Jesus. Who knew stars could be heralds, too? 🌟

Here we are just 12 days after the Christmas journey, in the beginning of January, with a road ahead in a new year, with new opportunities and stories to share as those followers of Jesus.

The Season after Epiphany is an in-between time which gives us a new way of thinking about faith. It’s a new journey of excitement and a chance to SHINE, to share the Good News of Jesus with the world.

Epiphany pushes us to move forward knowing what is coming next in Jesus’ life and ministry.
Epiphany shows us a different way of looking at the world. It’s not about us.
Epiphany guides us to focus on where we fit in the story of God in Jesus.
Epiphany invites us into God’s story of life, love, grace and forgiveness.
Epiphany moves us beyond ourselves to share our story of faith, with another.
Epiphany signals a shift from keeping quiet about Jesus to sharing the Good News.
Epiphany is about discipleship and what that means in 2024 and into the future to let our star shine to others.

My prayer for you this Epiphany season is that the star leads you on a journey of discovery of the potential of sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in new ways without being afraid of what might come of the invitation to follow. Epiphany is a time for us to both Come and See and Go and Tell.

Blessed Epiphany, Season Southern Ohio, as we journey together knowing we walk along side each other arm in arm, as shining stars ready to share Jesus with those we meet along the way as we clarify, collaborate, and cultivate. We are Stronger and Better Together … Joining Jesus in the restoration of the world.

Find out more about the journey of discipleship by listening to our Synod podcasts, checking in on what’s happening with MomenToUs and Paraclete Post.