Abbot Lot came to Abbot Joseph and said: “Father, to the limit of my ability, I keep my little rule, my little fast, my prayer, meditation and contemplative silence; and to the limit of my ability, I work to cleanse my heart of thoughts; what more should I do?” The elder rose up in reply, and stretched out his hands to heaven, and his fingers became like ten lamps of fire. He said: “Why not be utterly changed into fire?”

The cryptic episode above comes from the collection Sayings of the Desert Fathers. Among other things it is reminder of the reality that to be drawn into the life of God, who is a consuming fire, is to be engaged with light and heat in a profound way. Throughout the Bible, God's presence is repeatedly associated with fire and its properties. There is something of God's holiness, power, and majesty that are reflected by flames and fire. 

During Christmas we do welcome Jesus as the light of the world, and there are lit candles and warm fires, but it is in the Epiphany, on January 6th, that the church truly marks how Jesus' light, the glory of God, shines for all the nations to see. The Epiphany will be the theme of our worship this season, and will be present for the weeks to come; on January 12th we'll be hearing from Jerry and Stacie Kramer, Anglican missionaries in Northern Iraq, and on January 19th we'll begin a sermon series through the first chapters of 1st Corinthians. 

We'll also be celebrating the end of the Christmas season and the Epiphany this Saturday with a bonfire! We'll be burning Christmas trees and other greenery from this year. We'll be gathering at the Van Allens' at 1930 N Wheat Rd. Belton, 76513 at 4pm. Feel free to bring your tree and a snack food to share if you can. We'll also have some hot dogs, smores, and hot chocolate available. You should also bring a lawn chair if you can! We should be wrapped up by 7pm or so. I hope you can join us! 

Enjoying Christmas with you! 

Peter +