Bad Cold by Shel Silverstein

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  This cold is too much for my shortsleeve. Go get me a Kleenex--and fast. I sniffle and wheeze And I'm ready to sneeze And I don't know how long I can last.... Atchoo--it's to wet for a kleenex, So bring me handkerchief, quick. It's--atchoo--no joke, Now the handkerchief's soaked. Hey, a dish towel just might do the trick. Atchoo--it's too much for bath towel. There never has been such a cold. I'll be better off With that big tablecloth, No--bring me the flag off the pole. Atchoo--bring the clothes from the closet, Atchaa--get the sheets from the bed, The drapes off the window, The rugs off the floor To soak up this cold in my head. Atchoo-- hurry down to the circus And ask if they'll lend you the tent. You say they said yes? Here it comes--Lord be blessed-- Here it is--Ah-kachoooo--there it went.

Epiphany Eve

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This is the weekend we observe Epiphany, the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles. Sunday (Epiphany Sunday) is the Swedish holiday called the "13th Day of Christmas." What did your true love give on that day?

We would be correct to recall the visit of the Magi. I like the common picture that comes to mind when we think of “epiphany.” This is when that little light bulb goes on, you know, the one above our heads when we have an idea. When we get it--but what are we to "get?"

A few short weeks ago as our pastor was preparing to deliver our Christmas message, a small child’s voice lifted above the congregation, “do you know what Christmas is about? It’s about Jesus, the light of the world.” All we could do was applaud our Amen. The child shared Epiphany perfectly. The child reminded us that the light turning on is more than a feeling, more than a concept, a realization.

Epiphany the is singular reality of God touching all mankind in the person of Christ. He is the Son of God.

The Magi got it when they saw the light. Then followed it.

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