Dear Incarnation,
On Sunday, we continued our celebration of the season of Epiphany. So far, Jesus has been revealed as King to foreign dignitaries and as Beloved Son to the riffraff gathered on the banks of the Jordan. This Sunday, the revelation continues. We will read about Jesus' first miracle and the humble way in which the King and Beloved chooses to show his glory.
Epiphany tells this story again and again: the glory of God showing up in humble places and unexpected people. It's a story we all need to hear as we live in the shadow of one of the most powerful cities in the world, where administrations and inaugurations come and go with much fanfare. But our God is so often is found away from the fanfare, amongst the humble and ordinary. May he give us all Epiphany eyes to see him revealed in our midst, and when we do, to worship him only.
***
If you read The Washington Post, then you likely saw today's front-page story about the investigation into past abuse by a minister at The Falls Church, our grandparent congregation. I have written and spoken to you about this investigation many times over the past year and a half (including here and here). I know that this investigation hits very close to home for some in our congregation, and that our congregation includes many people who carry the wounds of church sexual abuse. If you would like to talk or pray about any of this, please reach out to me or Katie. We are here to listen and pray.
And please pray for the survivors of this abuse to experience healing and justice, and for the perpetrators of harm to be brought to repentance. This, too, is part of the Epiphany story: God's light breaking into the world's darkness to expose, refine, purify, and someday overcome whatever evil is revealed there.
***
On Sunday, Kevin Soo will lead us in worship and we'll sing my favorite hymn, This is My Father's World, including an additional verse written by Kevin and Evelyn a few months ago. I love when original music emerges from our congregation, and I love the defiantly hope-filled words that they wrote. I am looking forward to singing these words together on Sunday and proclaiming the day "when fear he turns to love":
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: he shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world, O trust in God above;
Our swords we'll break and ploughshares make, when fear he turns to love.
This is my Father's world, we long await the day;
The Prince of Peace shall violence cease and wipe our tears away.
This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle has been won:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and Heav’n be one.
The battle has been won,
Amy
p.s. Katie and I have written this FAQ about the Maryland service, which starts in less than two weeks on January 26! Give it a read and then stay after the service on Sunday to ask any additional questions.
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