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Terrible at hiding

Pastoral Messages | January 7, 2016

My 3-year-old daughter loves to play hide and seek. The thing that makes this particularly fun for all of us is that she is terrible at it. The game usually goes like this – I’ll start counting and she’ll run to a corner of our house and curl up in a ball on the floor. Then I’ll start to look and, without fail, she’ll start to laugh.

Yesterday, January 6, was Epiphany. For many Christians around the world it’s one of the holiest of days, even more important than Christmas. On Epiphany, Christians celebrate the story of the wise men following the star to find Jesus. Epiphany literally means “manifestation” or “appearance.” It points to revelation and discovery.

The wise men set out to find Jesus, expecting to have to work pretty diligently to find him. But a star appeared, making it easy by leading them straight to him. Epiphany is this feast day that celebrates that Jesus, a bit like my daughter, is terrible at hiding. We celebrate that Jesus who is God incarnate, shows up, easy to find, appearing and present, made manifest for all of us.

This is just what we need to be reminded of at the beginning of the year as we make seemingly impossible resolutions. Many of us set already elusive goals for ourselves. We’re off to find extra time for working out, or we’re searching for that amazing new thing that will help us eat better, or we’re seeking to make better choices. There’s a gift to the reorientation that this time of year brings but it can be both overwhelming and discouraging.

So for all of us working diligently on all kinds of things, rest in the promise that Jesus has come and is ready to be found – actually is probably seeking you out. With your eyes and ears open you’ll be sure to find him. It may be in the laughter of a preschooler, or the kind smile of a stranger, or the sparkle of snow on trees, or the generosity of a friend. You can find him in the beauty of singing during worship or a small wafer of bread in your hand.

As you search for all kinds of things, let those wise men of old remind you that Jesus has been born among us and, thankfully, he is terrible at hiding.

Sara Olson-Smith, associate pastor

2 Comments on “Terrible at hiding”

  • Rex

    January 14, 2016 at 1:51 pm

    Some people are “Stars” that lead us and keep us, mostly, on the right path. They help us see Jesus in the midst of ‘worldly’ distractions. You, Sara, and Katy and Peter is some o’ them!

  • Carol

    January 7, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    Thanks. Each day I am amazed by God’s love and the countless ways He makes me aware of His presence. There are times when it crosses my mind – How can He know me as I know myself and still do all this for me? I find my worth in Him.

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