I just had an Epiphany!

Happy Epiphany day! Today is the traditional day the church (in general) celebrate the end of Christmas. Epiphany day is where we recognize the Magi coming and giving the gifts to the baby Jesus, and according to the picture, Jesus is able to give the awesome finger blessing gang sign (pretty dexterous for a baby)!

We could focus on the Magi sacrificing by giving really nice gifts (which is where it all started). We could also focus on the magi leaving everything to follow a star that God told them follow (still very cool and faithful). But what I want to focus on today is another meaning we could pull from the celebration of Epiphany day...that God sent His son not only for His people the Israelites, but also for the gentiles (non-Jewish people).

I have always known that, but back in the day the Jews were expecting a Messiah to be sent for them! To set them free, and give them fullness of life. But it has always been God's plan to bless the nations through them (Genesis 12:3). I am used to reading in Acts 10 as the first Gentile exposure to the Gospel...but we have a gentile exposure when Jesus is still in Bethlehem. How cool!

So today, as the celebration of the Christmas season ends, remember that you were always a part of God's plan.

So share the love of God with others around you, because they are part of the world that God sent his son into (john 3:16) and tell them Happy Epiphany day. They will look at you weird at first, but then you can explain what all of it means.

much Love,
johnny

On the last day of Christmas...

Today, January 5th is the 12th, and last day of the Christmas season. We all know the cheesy song. For some of us it is the most annoying song of the holiday season. For others, we have to start on the tenth day to even enjoy it. Yes, I am talking about the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Historically the church had a Christmas "season" that celebrated the 12 days of Christmas after advent. We as Americans in the 21st century have gotten used to idea of Christmas being a one day celebration where we eat food and open presents. We try to justify being selfish by telling ourselves that we give (and receive) gifts in remembrance of God giving us the perfect gift.

Now, I would be a hypocrite if I told you that I don't do that. I do. And my kids will more than likely do that as well. But I can't help but look at the past two weeks and realize that I missed out on an opportunity to celebrate Christmas different. From now on I won't let the 25th of December be the last day of Christmas, instead it will be the first day. And I will try for twelve days to reflect hard on what it means to celebrate the gift of Jesus. And maybe my kids will learn something different. Maybe we will spread out the presents over the 12 days, at least the presents will be cheaper with the after Christmas sales...

But it will also show them that we should slow down with the gift giving, and be more about the reflecting of what it all means. Maybe we will also watch the Charlie Brown Christmas Special on all 12 days too, that way they will memorize the real meaning of Christmas.

So, all this to say...Merry last day of Christmas!

Tomorrow is known as Epiphany day. That is where the Magi came and gave gifts. Again, another justification for the commercialism of Christmas. But I will let you know tomorrow about the thoughts on the wise men.

much Love,
johnny