Starting, Stoking, Spreading
“What needs to be guarded is the life of the Spirit within us. Especially we who want to witness to the presence of God’s Spirit in the world need to tend the fire with the utmost care…Our first and foremost task is faithfully to care for the inward fire so that when it is really needed it can offer warmth and light to lost travelers.” - Henri Nouwen
The church season of Epiphany is upon us! During this season we focus on celebrating Jesus as the Light of the World and rejoice in the ways His light blazes into every area of our lives and across the world.
At COTC Epiphany represents an opportunity for us to live more fully in the light of Christ’s coming and to share or reflect that light with others. When I think about the specific elements of our Epiphany Tide season the terms starting, stoking, and spreading come to mind.
First, starting. This Saturday is the Feast of Epiphany itself and we’ll gather for a community bonfire. Details are below. bring your Christmas greenery to burn and a snack to share! This is mostly a fun gathering, but there is a symbolism for us in the starting of this fire. We seek the Holy Spirit to ignite the love of God in our hearts and lives for the year ahead.
Second, stoking. J-Term courses begin next week. These courses represent our commitment to being a community of transformation. We actively look to grow in Christ-likeness and to be equipped in following after Him.
This prayer, by the former Anglican Archbishop William Temple, expresses this intention. “Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you, and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.”
As was mentioned on Sunday, we understand that, for those of who are married and parents, only one spouse will be able to participate in these courses. Father David has helpfully written these prayers of blessing for both the spouse participating and the spouse who is staying home.
For the Blessing of a Spouse who Goes Off to Church for J-Term: “O Lord, you whose generosity is beyond anything that I can ask or imagine, I pray that you would bless [name] with many good things in this time of study at Church of the Cross and that you would bless me also here at home in specific and surprising ways, so that we together might experience the grace of your Spirit’s transforming presence in all things and become living testaments of your economy of abundance. I pray this in the name of Jesus, the One who sees me in love and who makes more than enough. Amen.”
For the Blessing of a Spouse who Stays Home with the Children: “O Lord, you who are a Father who gives good gifts to his children, I pray that you would bless [name] at home, that she/he might experience your goodness in personal and palpable ways, and that my time of study might increase the love of Jesus in me to such a degree that she/he might experience it in ways that speak to her/his heart’s desires, so that we together might experience the grace of your Spirit’s transforming presence in all things and become living testaments of your economy of abundance. I pray this in the name of Jesus, the One who provides for all creatures great and small. Amen.”
Third, spreading. Over the coming weeks there are a couple of ways to participate in sharing the light and love of Christ. First, one of the J-term courses with Father Herb Bailey (who will be preaching this Sunday) is specifically about sharing the love of Christ. Second, you can register to make bags for Hope Clinic patients here. Third, participate in or invite someone to Alpha, beginning on January 21st.
May the light of Christ, that light which is the life of the world, shine brightly in and through us this season.
Living with you in the light,
Peter+
Ps. I’ve heard from a number of us how praying the Daily Office (morning and evening prayer) has become a meaningful part of our regular rhythms. That is so encouraging! Practiced over time this rhythm does cause us to grow in grace and life with Jesus. Check out this online resource for making the readings and prayers. more use-friendly.