Enduring Beauty

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  “Beauty is the quality which makes to endure. In a house that I know, I have noticed a block of spermaceti lying about closets and mantel-pieces, for twenty years together, simply because the tallow-man gave it the form of a rabbit; and, I suppose, it may continue to be lugged about unchanged for a century. Let an artist scrawl a few lines or figures on the back of a letter, and that scrap of paper is rescued from danger, is put in portfolio, is framed and glazed, and, in proportion to the beauty of the lines drawn, will be kept for centuries. Burns writes a copy of verses, and sends them to a newspaper, and the human race take charge of them that they shall not perish.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson. (1803–1882).   Essays and English Traits.

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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