Welcome to Epiphany 2025
Epiphany is often a very short season in the church. This year we have a few extra weeks because Lent doesn’t start until March. It’s a good thing to have a longer season of light, of knowing, of revelation, particularly this year.
I imagine how it might have been for the Magi after they visited Jesus, when they went home by another road. The journey must have been exhausting and long, especially since we have no idea what they might have carried with them – literally or figuratively. Was it the knowledge of Emanuel, God-with-us, that guided them home?
Many of us are carrying excessive loads as we turn out attention to this season of revelation, of seeking divine light. The holidays already seem long ago as the pressure of these days builds toward inauguration day. We try to live our lives each day and the weight of what might be coming (along with what is) is nearly unbearable at times.
Yet, we are called to be guided by something greater than any political force. We know that God is present with us and throughout all of Creation. Now is a great time to contemplate your Star Word and set a course for this year. It’s a good time to ask a few guiding questions:
- How can I contribute to my community and serve my neighbors?
- What do I need to find joy in my daily living? Who can help/support me?
- What am I carrying that no longer serves me? How can I set it down?
- Do I know someone who is going through difficulties? How can I help/support them?
- Is there a spiritual practice I can develop or strengthen to help get me through the days with more gratitude and hope?
No matter what happens in the days to come, remember you are not alone. You belong to a community of Love and you are Beloved. We are in this together, wherever the path may lead.
Please share your joys and gratitudes below. And if there is a way I or the Living Table can support you, please be in touch.
May we all be surprised by Joy as this Epiphany season unfolds.
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.
Copyright
Unless otherwise specified, all content on this site is copyrighted by the author, when designated, or by Living Table United Church of Christ. This means that you cannot copy-and-paste content from this website to reuse elsewhere without express written permission. All images are copyrighted and may not be used elsewhere. With any questions, please contact us. You can still share everything from this site by sharing a link to the exact page of interest. What is prohibited by this policy and standard U.S. copyright law is reusing or republishing our content without license.