Living Water

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, ‘Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John’— although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized— he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink’. (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink”, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?’ Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.’ John 4:1-15

Water is life, whether standing with the Dakota people protesting the oil pipeline or standing near a baptismal font holding a young child, water is truly life. Our bodies are mostly water, and we can go without food for a long time but not without water. This encounter with the Samaritan woman is an extraordinary moment, early in Jesus' ministry. He crossed so many previously taboo lines - A Samaritan, a woman and sinner. And he offers her the water of life, the living water, eternal life. What scandal! Even his disciples would question his behaviors, yet this encounter resulted in the healing of a large community, previously considered to be the alien, the outsiders, the unwanted. May we seek the living, eternal water as seek and serve the outcasts in our communities.

Gracious Creator, you consider us all your offspring

and call no one an illegal alien, nor an outcast

but draw all of the world to yourself through your son.

We have nasty names for the recent immigrants 

we think no one deserved what we have not worked for

and we live behind gates and divisions creating fear.

Help us to rise above our fears and our prejudices

so we might bring light and life to those in need

and be filled with the living water as we offer your love. Amen.

My Joy Has Been Fulfilled

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized— John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison. Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.’ John answered, ‘No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.” He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.’ The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life but must endure God’s wrath. John 3:22-36

Some days, joy is fleeting, others it is nowhere to be found, yet for John the Baptist, his joy was complete for he had told them to prepare so the Messiah could be known. Each of us has a role in life that points to another, whether it is a teacher, a preacher or a parent. We are called to prepare the way not to be the star of the show. Jesus and John also knew their time was short on earth and they each had a story to tell, so all these years later, we might follow the one who came from heaven and lived as we humans do. We face hard roads and difficult days ahead, yet we can be filled with that joy, a joy which reminds us that we are loved beyond measure and children of the living God.

Steadfast Creator, you have been present in every generation

walking with us, hiding with us and facing up to big bullies

for you are love and joy in spite of every manmade crisis.

We live in a country where innocent people are arrested

for the color of their skin and their country of origin

despite the truth that this country is founded on stolen land.

Give us your joy so we might fight back against cruelty

give us your heart so we might face down our fears

and make love and joy dance in our streets again. Amen.

God So Loved the World

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ John 3:16-21

Somedays, it's hard to imagine that God could love the messy, ugly and broken world at present. We seem incapable of righting wrongs, keeping people safe and not taking other peoples' land and homes. 

Yet throughout human history, we have been unjust, unkind and greedy. We will probably always be. And yet still, God so loves the world, in our messy, selfish, cruelty that the Creator sent us Jesus to offer his life for us and to show us the way of love and light. We are not condemned to be our worst selves but rather we are called to follow in Jesus' steps, on the road to justice, equality and inclusion. We are walking a hard road these days, but we are not alone for Christ is with us every step of the way. May we walk the way of love, so the world can see how "God so loves the world."

Gracious Creator, you have loved us forever

the mountain, the oceans, the deserts and winds

and you love every part of your exquisite creation.

We rebel with anger, we act out of greed and fear

and when we fall, we cry out for you to save us

although you have sent Jesus and shown us the way.

Help us to plant our feet on the way of love today

for many are suffering, too many are afraid

and we can carry your love to the darkest places. Amen.

MLK Day 2026

                            Martin Luther King, Jr Day 2026

Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27–36

Today is a national holiday celebrating the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He said yes to God and became the voice of freedom and equality until his life was cut short by someone who hated him and what he spoke of. He spoke of love, despite all of the hate, the racism, the gross miscarriages of justice that is the United States. It was then and is now. Our government decided to hate immigrants and now all people of color are afraid as they might be mistaken for an "illegal" immigrant. I have an Ojibwe friend who was stopped by ICE this past week. These terrors can make us all angry and rise to hating others. Martin reminds us that we need to up our game on love, actively serving and giving to those who need our help as well as protecting those who are most vulnerable. Today, may we do all the love things we can, honoring Martin and Coretta and all the freedom fighters who came before. changing the world for good, bit by bit.

                                A Litany for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Loving Creator, you give us hearts of compassion

so we see those who need our help and respond.

Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.

You have given us hands and minds that can change laws

help us to raise our voices so that your love can be heard.

Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.

You have given us bodies that can march and serve

Help us stand with the immigrants and the most vulnerable.

Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.

You have made us for love, and made us one people

Help us to see everyone as members of one family.

Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.

You have put your light within each and every one of us

Help us shine so the road to freedom is always bright.

Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.

You lift us up when the burdens become too great

Help us to spread you healing and freedom wherever we are.

Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.

Free us from arrogance, pride, and all the sins we have

so we might be free to love as you laid down your life for us all.

Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors. Amen.

Second Sunday After the Epiphany - January 18, 2026

Second Sunday After the Epiphany

John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). John 1:29-42

Jesus said to them, "come and see." He says to us, "come and see." We live in times when we want to hide our eyes, or we look and see only sadness and destruction. Jesus lived in a time of occupation, a time of tyrants and great bloodshed. John claimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God, and Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter. Lots of big claims and name changes. The truth is that after this moment the disciples and others followed Jesus, saw many miracles and still had questions and doubt. Jesus tells us now to come and see. Come and see the new life, the forgiveness, the servanthood that is happening across our land and the world. Despite the callousness and cruelty, there are people and communities acting out the love of Christ in the darkest places. May we become those who show that love so fully that people say, "come and see."

Gracious Creator, you are with us in all times

when the joy and peace bubble through us

and when the skies darken and no light comes.

Lamb of God, Lord Jesus, make us your disciples today.

The tyrants tell us we are worthless and alien

unwelcome in the land where our people live

and treat us as alien, unwanted and suspicious.

Lamb of God, Lord Jesus, make us your disciples today.

Yet you, Lord Jesus, came among us with love

and miracles changed how the people lived

and change us still when we seek your face.

Lamb of God, Lord Jesus, make us your disciples today.

Give us the strength to open our eyes wide

so your grace might live daily within us.

Lamb of God, Lord Jesus, make us your disciples today.

Give us your love so we might rush to serve

those who are treated as alien and criminals.

Lamb of God, Lord Jesus, make us your disciples today.

Make us your people, O Lord, this day

so we might live your love in this broken world.

Lamb of God, Lord Jesus, make us your disciples today. Amen.

 

Fill the Jars with Water

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days. John 2:1-12

Jesus' first miracle, which was pushed on him by his mother, has found its way into all sorts of cultural references, jokes, songs and memes. I have often focused on the relationship between Mary and her son, which is truly fascinating in this story. Yet the water jars seem more important today. They were everyday things, part of any household. They became the conduit of miracles and change. We are also empty or half-filled vessels, most of us everyday and ordinary. Like those water jugs, we can contain something miraculous despite our limited human experience. When we are willing to let Jesus call and direct us, we can be filled with more gifts and capacity than we have ever known. In these troubled times, may we be those willing to be refilled and overflowing with the miraculous love of God.

Wondrous Creator, you fill us and use us

to be your miraculous love here on earth

following in the human steps of your Son.

We are half-empty and without direction

as the world turns violent and inhumane

hiding from today's pain and cruelty.

You have called us and you will lead us

so fill us again with the water of life

so we might share your miraculous love today. Amen.

Under the Fig Tree

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’ John 1:43-51

As a child, our fig tree was my hiding place, a canopy of leaves and branches I could climb. I don't know if Nathanael was hiding or sitting in the shade, but I would have sat with him. He was an honest man, someone who spoke from the heart, and wasn't one to fall for fads or trends. A wise one. If we are honest with ourselves, we all seek those familiar hiding places to shelter us from the terrors of the day. We are living in time of terror and the ache to hide is real. Yet, no matter where we hide, we are loved and known. And we are called beyond our hiding places to bring love and light to the world.

Gracious Creator, you shaped hiding places

and homes of safety and support as we grow

so that we might be strong to face these days.

There is terror on our streets and neighborhoods

tyrants have become normal, violence as well

and we humans want to run away and hide.

Help us, dear Lord, to crawl out into the light

carrying your precious love with us as we go

so your creation might thrive and live once more. Amen.

The Lamb of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter). John 1:29-42

In Epiphany, we move rapidly from sweet little baby Jesus in a manger, to the fully grown man living into his identity. There are only a very few mentions of his childhood at all. So, we tend to see his as the vibrant man, calling disciples, and healing people everywhere he goes. It allows us to separate him from his family of origin, his culture and his people. For me, as a parent, the is very disconcerting. I see my very grown and capable daughters living their lives, and I see the little girls they were (and are) at the same time. I wish I could see Jesus through Mary's eyes. The essential being is there from the beginning. Here we find Jesus, walking by his cousin John who calls him the Lamb of God. I so desperately want to know what they called each other as kids, what experiences made them who they are as adults. None of us can really be fully who we are without embracing those experiences that formed and shaped us. May we, like the disciples, run to the one man John points out as the lamb of God. May we bring our whole selves, our past and our becoming to the feet of Jesus.

Wondrous Creator, you bring us into this world

completely vulnerable, wailing for our food

and surround us with those who help us grow.

We try to hide our origins and our vulnerable side

yet there is where you abide deeply with us

and bring your healing to our very hidden places.

O Lamb of God, be near the children in us today

so we might reach for you instead of weapons

and teach your love to a world broken by hate. Amen.

Crying Out in the Wilderness

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. John 1:19-28

I am convinced that we are in a time of crying, a time of voices raised for the life of the world. Some of us will cry out in prayer, others in war cries and yet others with loving reminders that we are not alone. It is not time for silent observing anymore. Nor a time to walk away. Each of us needs to carry a little piece of John the Baptist, willing to proclaim the presence of God, here among us, in the turmoil and the pain. Our Creator draws near, and we are those called to carry the message again, into the wildernesses we face. The wilderness of greed and corruption, of isolation and abuse, the dark places where humanity has been squandered. John came for his time. May we be God's loving witness and presence for our time.

Divine Creator, source of every spark of life

we are your heralds and your children here

give us strong voices to carry your witness.

Mothers die protecting their neighborhoods

thugs roam the streets like ancient soldiers

life seems so unbalanced and dangerous today.

Lord, put your clarion voices within us all

make us heralds of your loving presence here

and help us change the world as we sing for you. Amen.

The True Light

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18

We have been overwhelmed by reactions and opinions about Renee Good's murder. And things seem to go from bad to worse. No apologies, no admitting wrong, but instead covering up and covering people with lies and misdirection. There is no true defense for such an act of violence. Only actions filled with light and love, grace upon grace, since others would have cruelty and darkness descend. May we be those who step out, carrying the light we have, and gather as one brilliant, shining, glorious version of the True Light, God's love which came into the world and remains in this world through all of us.

Loving Creator, you sent Jesus among us 

to carry love and light, grace upon grace

so that we might be set alight with your love.

Cruelty and violence try to snub it out

Rulers and tyrant try to scream it away

yet the true light is setting us all free.

There is a rough road ahead in these times

yet You walk with us and call on our ancestors

to help us carry the light of your love into this world. Amen.

First Epiphany - The Baptism of Jesus

First Sunday of Epiphany - The Baptism of Jesus
January 11, 2026

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17

I have always been fascinated by the relationship of Jesus and John. Jesus comes to John to be baptized but John refuses at first. These were two who knew each other, may have played together as cousins and might have had a decent report. There is a humanity and also there is a natural reluctance at play in this scene. Each has a road they have been called to by God, and each has to choose to follow that road daily. Even the Son of God, even Jesus, has to make the human choices we often struggle with. There was much more dialog at this event, I am very sure. All of have been at these moments, these crossroads in our lives. Yet, Jesus and John say yes together to God. And God thunders with joy when Jesus says yes, and when we say yes. In troubled times, as they were then and they are now, we are called to follow the way of love, to dive deep into the water again and be God's beloved in these times. Thunderous joy awaits us all.

                                                        A Litany for First Epiphany

Loving Creator, you breathe your love in all creation

you set the planets and the clouds in their motion

and you shine your light in our hearts every new day.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

We feel like we are drowning in these troubled times

when power and money deprive the poor of daily bread

and bring violence to innocent mothers and fathers here.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

Lift us from this deep shroud of darkness we deeply feel

and raise us up from the salty brine and tangled seaweed

so we might breathe your new light and love right here.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

We are your beloved, reluctant, weary and terribly torn

you are our ground, our strength and our everything.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

Lead us from the darkness of our broken hearts

so that we might see your light shining within us.

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world.

For you are thundering with joy as we say yes

and ready to lead us through to the light of joy again. 

Blessed Savior, help us to be your beloved in this broken world. Amen.

Light of the World

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ Then the Pharisees said to him, ‘You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid.’ Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgement is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.’ Then they said to him, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’ John 8:12-19

Although we have passed the absolute shortest day of winter, it still seems we are shrouded in darkness and pain. None of us can witness the shooting death of a mother and not feel the darkness deepen with fear and anger surrounding all. This is not a moment of light but of deep darkness trying to swallow us all. Jesus was born into a very violent world. The streets he knew were filled with the soldiers of the occupying government. Noone had freedom because some had all the power. We are invited to reach deep today for the light of the world, to shine however brightly we can, and be those who free others and stand with those suffering in these dark times.

Wondrous Creator, you brought us your light

when the world had turned dark and violent

you gave us a child, the prince of peace.

Darkness and cruelty have taken our streets

our neighbors are called aliens and criminals

and we watch as the world continues to dim.

Set us on fire again for love and light alone

let us proclaim your love with trembling voices

so the world might look to the Light once more. Amen.

Bread of Life

So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’ John 6:30-33,48-51

When the bright lights of the holidays dim, and the festive atmospheres are gone from our eyes, we retreat inside, away from the cold wind and snow. Our days are still short, and the clouds dim the daylight. It is deep midwinter. And yet it is in the deep midwinter that hearts can come alive with creativity. We don't have crops to plant or outside events, so we can focus on the needs of our hearts. Some rush to the gym this time of year trying to make their bodies better. Others clean with vengeance. Yet Jesus invites us to a table already set and calls us in these dark days of winter to be fed from inside out. May we let love dwell and grow within us today. May we be those rooted in the bread of life.

Wondrous Creator, you are the bread of life

you feed us when the crops are all gone

and lead us to new ground and sources of life.

The world around us is cold and aggressive

lashing out and needing to control are the norm

yet you call us to gather around your table.

For you have set a table with deep love

feeding us daily with hope and renewed strength

healing the world and giving us all new hearts. Amen.

Feast of the Epiphany - Mary's Last Letter

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall be acceptable on my altar, and I will glorify my glorious house. Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows? For the coastlands shall wait for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from far away, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you. Isaiah 60:1-9

Dearest Auntie,

I write to you with a tear-stained face and a heart beating loudly in my chest. We are traveling tonight but we are not going home! I can hardly breathe! Here's what happened. As you know the soldiers have been everywhere looking for a little Jewish baby boy who is a threat to Herod. I guess I didn't think that it was really and tried to put it out of my mind. Now, Auntie, it's real and right here in our faces.

Last night in the very deepest darkness, three chiefs from some foreign tribes, came seeking the boy. We tried to hide him away, but they came in anyway. They looked, spoke and smelled so strange. We were both sleepy and terrified! We couldn't understand them, but they had servants with them who translated for us. The servants finally told us that they had come to worship the baby as they had been following the star. They told us that he is the light of the world, long awaited and needed here now! Then they apologized for going to the palace first and are ashamed they alerted Herod. They brought us gifts, extraordinary gifts, which we will treasure forever. The gold they brought might just see us through until we can go home.

They warned us not to try to return home as people were looking for us along the roads. Rebecca and Isaac, as well as the children came when they heard all the fuss and suggested they had family in Egypt to stay with for a time. The three chiefs verified that going to Egypt might be best. Joseph didn't agree at first, but this morning he told me he had a dream telling him to go to Egypt. So here we go, and I'm truly terrified. Please get word to Mama and Papa, And please, pray for us.

all my love,

Mary

Eve of the Epiphany - Mary Letter Day Thirty-Two

O sing to the Lord a new song, 

 for he has done marvelous things. 

His right hand and his holy arm

 have gained him victory. 

The Lord has made known his victory;

he has revealed his vindication 

in the sight of the nations. 

He has remembered his steadfast love and 

faithfulness to the house of Israel. 

All the ends of the earth have seen

 the victory of our God. 

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; 

break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, 

with the lyre and the sound of melody. 

With trumpets and the sound of the horn 

make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. 

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 

 the world and those who live in it.

Let the floods clap their hands;

 let the hills sing together for joy 

at the presence of the Lord, 

for he is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98

Dear Elizabeth,

Things are getting out of control around here and I am frightened. I put on a good face with Joseph and our hosts, but I am worried about them coming for my little boy. He is so small and vulnerable and that nasty Herod is out to find him. We hear stories from the children every day. Joseph says we have no worries for they would never come looking for a Jewish baby among a well-known Gentile family. They have never told anyone that we are Jews, and the basically let people know that we are family. I still feel very exposed. The good news is that the wise women have said I am in good shape to travel home and the trip should be quicker this time, if we can get out of Bethlehem safely. I am always astounded how rulers like Herod, who have everything, wealth, power and absolute control, are afraid of the least among us and need to destroy any threat. We have to trust that our Lord will protect us, when we get ready to go.

For strengthening my spirit, I have been singing the Psalms you taught me to sing. I've always loved the Psalms of King David but only said them until I was with you. I sing while Joseph is here and when it's just the baby and me. Jesus loves for me to sing, and he kicks his legs, flaps his arms and smiles so wide. My heart just melts sometimes, and I find tears welling up in my eyes. I was not prepared for any of this and often feel a terribly inadequate mother, unable to do the best for my little boy. The, there are times when all's that is needed is a little food and a little song. Hopefully, those things will cover a multitude of my mistakes. We are packing now for home, which means soon you can see my baby boy, and I can see John! I cannot wait!

love,

Mary

Second Sunday After Christmas - Mary Letter Day Thirty-One

                                Second Sunday After Christmas -Mary Letter Day Thirty-One

How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!

My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; 

my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.

The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow 

a nest where she may lay her young; 

by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts,

my King and my God. 

Happy are they who dwell in your house! 

they will always be praising you. 

Happy are the people whose strength is in you! 

whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way. 

Those who go through the desolate valley 

will find it a place of springs, 

for the early rains have covered it with pools of water. 

They will climb from height to height, 

and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion. 

Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; 

hearken, O God of Jacob. 

Behold our defender, O God;

and look upon the face of your Anointed. 

For one day in your courts is better than 

a thousand in my own room, 

and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God

than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 48:1-9

Dear Mama and Papa,

There is some good news! It looks as if we might be headed home soon. Joseph's paperwork filing seems to be completed, and he just has to get one more signature in the morning. Then, I will have a visit from the wise women who will examine me and hopefully declare I am ready to travel. I am feeling stronger and the bleeding has mostly stopped. This little boy gives me such joy. His little time fingers and hands are always reaching and grasping and his face lights up when he sees another person. He particularly loves Isaac and Rebecca's children. When they come in, his arms and legs start moving wildly and he reaches for them so sweetly. They love holding him and singing to him. His eyes sparkle all the time but especially when the children are with us.

Life in the city is pretty turbulent and unpredictable. The markets seem to be open every day and at all hours, including the Sabbath, which I don't understand. But the occupiers rule here, and they don't care for our ways at all. They don't seem to care about prayer and worship at all. Many of the soldiers seem to love games of chance and they often sit in groups outside, making wagers and talking loudly into the night. I am grateful we are far from the main thoroughfare, so we can sleep and keep quiet for the baby. I was worried that the animals around us might startle with all the noise. They seem content to sleep through it all once they are fed and bedded down for the night. Joseph and I, when the weather is fair, sit under the stars and say our prayers with Jesus resting in my arms. He has become a part of us both. I will let you know when our journey home begins! So excited to show you this little wonderful boy!

love,

Mary

Mary Letter Day Thirty

I will bless the Lord at all times; 

praise shall ever be in my mouth.

I will glory in the Lord; 

let the humble hear and rejoice. 

Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord;

let us exalt his Name together. 

I sought the Lord, and he answered me 

and delivered me out of all my terror. 

Look upon him and be radiant and 

let not your faces be ashamed. 

I called in my affliction and 

the Lord heard me and saved me 

from all my troubles.

The angel of the Lord encompasses 

those who fear him, 

and he will deliver them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; 

happy are they who trust in him!

Fear the Lord, you that are his saints,

 for those who fear him lack nothing. 

The young lions lack and suffer hunger,

 but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good. 

Come, children, and listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 

Who among you loves life and desires long life to enjoy prosperity? 

Keep your tongue from evil-speaking and your lips from lying words. 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:1-14

Dear Elizabeth,

It is a strange and often wonderful experience to be surrounded by the children of our hosts. Since they are gentiles, they regard many of our traditions as strange despite the fact that they are often treated as strangers here. It gives them a different perspective because they are often disregarded as important by the occupying army or our religious leaders. They are like little spies, as no one takes any notice of them. They often sit playing in the streets, listening in on the conversations of the soldiers who hang around the markets, totally unaware of the children. I tell you this because they came running back to me, while Jospeh was out, to say there's trouble in the palace. King Herod is worried about the birth of another king, a Jewish king, like David. They say he is afraid and angry. I hope he doesn't know about this child of mine!

We have done the proper rituals at the temple here. Since we were strangers, they took our offering and had the ceremony with little attention paid to us or the baby. I wanted to shout at the priest that this was a special child, a child sent by the Lord, but I kept my peace, knowing they would not listen to a young woman like me. I am a poor, young, female stranger. A person of no regard to them. We were touched later on when two elders met us as we were leaving, rejoicing in the child and the Lord's blessing. Noone really took any notice of us or them, thankfully. The place is crowded with visitors, money changers and stalls for buying offerings. We really can't draw attention to ourselves or the baby, so we slipped out quietly, both of us with smiles and tears of joy. It's hard to be the servant of the Lord and not be able to proclaim it to everyone we see. But his safety is of most importance! I often wish he was just a normal baby, so that I can keep him to myself to love and enjoy. Hoe can this sweet, totally dependent, beautiful boy, be the savoir of the world? Pray for me, please, Auntie, for this burden gets too hard sometimes.

love, 

Mary

Mary Letter Day Twenty-Nine

O Lord our Governor, how exalted is your Name in all the world! 

Out of the mouths of infants and children your majesty is praised above the heavens. 

You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, 

to quell the enemy and the avenger. 

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, 

the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, 

What is man that you should be mindful of him? 

the son of man that you should seek him out? 

You have made him but little lower than the angels; 

you adorn him with glory and honor;

You give him mastery over the works of your hands; 

you put all things under his feet: 

 All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field, 

The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, 

and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea. 

O Lord our Governor, how exalted is your Name in all the world! Psalm 8

Dear Mama and Papa,

Today was a wonderful day! The time had come for us to present this sweet baby to the temple, and we couldn't wait any longer. We so wished to be back home for all of this! The temple is so beautiful here and the priests and rabbis were very accommodating. They told us we were always welcome, despite the fact that we weren't members here they accepted our small gifts with gratitude. They did the ceremony in a quiet side place, and although I was scared and cringed listening at a distance, our little boy did not cry but a very little. Joseph was visibly frightened and worried about it all, but when the priest reminded him that he, Joseph, had been through this, Joseph straightened up and went ahead into the chamber. The prayers seemed to take forever. Finally, Joseph appeared radiant holding the baby! We have spent so much time here in Bethlehem, away from crowds and people that it was lovely to be out in the city. I still tire quickly, but the vibrancy here gave me new energy. There are truly people from all over, sharing their wares, cultures and song.

When we were leaving the temple, an extraordinary thing happened. We were stopped first by an elderly man, standing close by with the religious leaders named Simeon, who broke away from them and took the child from us. We were afraid for a moment. But then he told us he had been waiting for the baby, and recited ancient prophecy about him. He blessed the baby and us, kneeling and thanking us for caring for the little one, telling us there would be challenges ahead. We were just about catching our breath when a very old and wizened woman rushed up to us. She told us her name was Anna, she was a widow who had spent many years worshipping in the temple. She too blessed us all telling us the child was long awaited and the redemption of Isreal. As you can imagine, we can back to our rooms, overwhelmed and full of wonder. This has been one incredible and often nerve-racking experience. Can't wait to be home with you again!

love, 

Mary