The Necklace

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  “SHE WAS one of those pretty, charming young ladies, born, as if through an error of destiny, into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no hopes, no means of becoming known, appreciated, loved, and married by a man either rich or distinguished; and she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education. . . .  She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things. She felt that she was made for them. She had such a desire to please, to be sought after, to be clever, and courted.” —THE NECKLACE Guy de Maupassant    France, 1884 (pic by Grok) Read this short story here:  https://americanliterature.com/author/guy-de-maupassant/short-story/the-necklace

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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