Tuesday Eve Service - Zoom Only

Epiphany is a Season of Seeking and Awakening

Sanctuary set for Epiphany
The Living Table altar with a dark blue table runner featuring a large silver star.

Throughout the season, we will strengthen our resolve to follow Wisdom in the same way the magi followed the star to Bethlehem.

10 comments

For some, this season between Christmas and Lent is “Ordinary Time.” Since I don’t believe any time is “ordinary,” we celebrate Epiphany as a season, rather than a single day. The theme of this season is revelation, particularly the kind of revelation that is transformative.

Last week, we gave out “star words” as a reminder that we are guided by Spirit, that which is greater than ourselves. Throughout the season, we will strengthen our resolve to follow Wisdom in the same way the magi followed the star to Bethlehem. We want our journey, as individuals and as a community, to be intentional – as intentional as our choice to be part of New Branches.

Epiphany is also a season of welcoming the return of the Light – literally as we head toward spring, and spiritually as we encountered the Light of Christ during the Christmas season. Where in our lives do we need to emerge into the Light of Love? What do we keep hidden that may be causing us harm? What do we carry that may no longer be useful?

This season can be an excellent preparation for Lent. If we are intentional in how we journey now, entering into the wilderness might not be quite as challenging. If we are able to determine what guides us and where we are heading before Lent begins, facing the deeper longings Lent can uncover might be a bit easier.

As we continue on our way, let us not leave behind the lessons of Advent and Christmas – the Light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love continues to shine in, through, and around us. Let us continue to be present for one another, sharing our burdens and our joys. Together, the journey is easier.

About Rachael Keefe

Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.

Share this Pastoral Notes

post from Rachael

10 thoughts on “Epiphany is a Season of Seeking and Awakening”

  1. It is funny to think about the term ordinary time. For me, after the busy holiday season, and before the activity of spring, the thought of ordinary time is reassuring. I think of it is a time to breathe, relax, and consider all the blessings in our lives without the pressure of special events and the bustle associated with the Christmas season. In this way, ordinary time can be quite extraordinary!

    Reply
    • I agree! These months between my others two liturgical seasons Holidays and Gardening (which continues till Thanksgiving) are my only chance to get to all those projects that have been lying n my desk for months/years. Checking a few off the list is one of my largest thrills.

      Reply
  2. Living Table is not the slightest bit ordinary!
    We are living in extraordinary times and I think our faith in each other proves it.

    Reply
  3. I came home for lunch today and saw that my star word arrived. My star word is “center”. Rachael hit it on the nose! Centering is so important yet so challenging to do regularly. Thank you for this reminder Pastor Rachael!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Rachael Keefe Cancel reply