This morning we celebrated Epiphany. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA).
Sermon
My message, “Starry Wisdom,” is based on Matthew 2:1-12.
You can watch the message below or read the manuscript.
Excerpt
Happy New Year!
Since we last gathered for worship, we have welcomed a new year. 2025 is here!
I’m wondering how you celebrated this year’s arrival.
Perhaps we could divide the sanctuary into those who stayed up until midnight and those who did not. Or we could divide into those who are looking forward to all that is ahead this year or those who are feeling anxious about what is to come. Or we could divide into those who made new year’s resolutions and those who simply resolve never to do so.
Put simply, there are many ways to celebrate the arrival of a new year. Whatever you chose, I hope you found it meaningful.
Oh . . . and for all who made new year’s resolutions let me remind you that Quitter’s Day is coming soon. Yes, it is a real thing. Feel free to look this newer holiday up.
Quitter’s Day comes on the second Friday of the first month of every year. It is a day when we recognize that the motivation for the goals we set is waning, which is why most people give up on their goals for the year before first month ends.
While nearly everyone in the room can resonate with some or all of these new year traditions, I wonder how many of you have as much familiarity with Epiphany traditions? I know that my calendar is open as I’ve received a grand total of zero invitations to Epiphany parties.
So how do folks celebrate?
Last year I was introduced to a new tradition: chalking the door.
Perhaps around this time of year you have visited a friend’s home and noticed what looked like a math equation above their front door. If you have ever seen this it may have been at Catholic friend’s home.
The tradition is centuries old and is more popular in other parts of the world. At the end of the Epiphany worship service in some contexts people receive bags filled with chalk, incense, and holy water. More often, however, people to acquire their own chalk or use chalk already in their home for Epiphany. Regardless of how they got the chalk, once they have it, they affix it to the doorframe usually with a prayer. The message applied to the door consists of . . .
