A Journey of Gift Giving
As I arrived at the front of the church I had in my right hand a walking stick, with little medallions marking some of the places my husband had been on his journey through life. Image your own faith journey walking stick, where would it begin and what moments and places would you mark upon it? Mine would begin with my baptism and would probably have a number of people noted upon it.
I wanted to share with you some thoughts about Epiphany from the book: Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins
“Most people have heard the word “epiphany,” but few Americans have a full understanding of its meaning. In modern terminology, epiphany is defined as “an intuitive grasp of reality usually through something simple and striking, an illuminating discovery, a revealing scene or moment.” In simpler language, it means “to show, to make known, or reveal.” But what was the revealing moment that generated an important Christian holiday? Why has epiphany been celebrated almost as long as Christmas and Easter, and how do the important events that are remembered on this day relate to the celebration of Christmas? (Page 89)
“The churches in the United States and Britain that still observe Epiphany have recently been trying to restore the day’s original meaning. These congregations teach that the anniversary of the arrival of the wise men is a tie to the real mission of the Christian faith and its body of believers. In worship services people discover that Epiphany is a time to put aside cultural, racial, and social differences and recognize that Jesus came to offer salvation to all people. Hence the holiday is again taking on a sense of the brotherhood that Christ tried to bring to the world during his life. If Epiphany can be revived it might well become the answer to a long-wished-for holiday that reflects reverently on the birth of Jesus. As a bookend to Christmas, it could become the vessel that puts a truly spiritual cap on the holiday season.” (Page 94)
What could be more simple and illuminating than a star? A simple symbol of light and it led the Magi to Jesus, a wonderful epiphany. I wonder how long the Magi travelled to find Jesus and whether their journey was easy or difficult. What did they encounter along the way? As I reflected on the Magi’s journey I looked back to my recent experience at Gettysburg Seminary and want to share my discernment about my call from God. This was written for my Youth Certification course which was more like a Discipleship Development course.
“As I reflect on my own personal call from God I would summarize it as follows: I am called to walk along side others (especially youth) to empower, support, guide, and send them into the world to be Disciples.
As I journey along side our youth I see myself as a supporter, and equipper, a conduit and a coach. I see myself as one who is called to encourage all members of the congregation to take on the responsibility to walk alongside one another encouraging, helping, listening to God’s call in their life and exploring what it means to be a Disciple of Christ.
How do we do this? I do it by being passionate about my ministry, living what I believe and challenging others to share their gifts, Mentoring and modeling are two very powerful ways of helping people on their faith journey. I have found that as I tell my own faith story others will seek to speak with me and share their doubts and struggles. It is in sharing these doubts and struggles with one another I believe God is truly at work and we are moving forward on our journeys together. This relates to the concept “faith is not taught but caught”. Through the enthusiasm of Christians who are willing to show their faith in deeds actions and words more people will “catch faith”.
As I have tried to live this out I have encouraged and discerned gifts with many people. One person who would be on my faith journey stick would be a youth who I helped go to Tanzania on a mission trip. Sarah went and brought me back this gift (see picture). This is one of my favorite gifts I have ever received. It was unexpected and thoughtful. She had said when she saw it she had thought of me. If you look closely at it you will see a number of people holding up and supporting one another. This gift traveled a long way from Tanzania to my home as did the gifts the wise men gave.
During this holiday season did you have to travel a long way to give gifts? Did anyone travel a long way to receive the gifts you had for them? Some gifts traveled a long way, they may have needed to be ordered and shipped and then given. Gift giving can be complicated and time consuming. What have been some of your favorite gifts? My favorites are not expensive nor are they the things on my list; they are often like the gift Sarah gave me, unexpected and thoughtful. Some other examples are a friend who made me a CD filled with road trip music when she knew I was going on a road trip and another friend who puts together a picture book of each visit she makes with her children to New Hampshire. These are gifts filled with joy and thoughtfulness. In this sanctuary I see the gift of smiles and greetings and great joy during the sharing of the peace. All of these are gifts given by God for us to share.
As I was searching the web about gift giving I came across an interesting trend. Apparently there is a trend to have a birthday party or anniversary party and say “No gifts, please”. I don’t really understand this. I personally love receiving gifts and as I said not just gifts to open but gifts of love, hugs, and smiles. Could you imagine coming to CtK and there being a sign in the sanctuary that says “please do not share your gifts, just come on Sunday and leave”. Come on in and be a part of this community but be careful and do not share any of your gifts. That would be weird. God gives us many gifts and in thankfulness to God we are called to share them with joy.
Looking back at the Gospel from Matthew today I want to share with you the end of the reading. Matthew 2:11-12 (The Message)
11They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.
12In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.
The wise men did not return to their homes by the same route but needed to journey a different way home. What was this journey like? How did it differ from their journey to Jesus?
I want to leave you with some thoughts from the January 2010 issue of the Lutheran www.thelutheran.org the article is entitled “Packing for your faith expedition” by Jeffrey D. Loudon
“The founder [of the National Outdoor Leadership School NOLS] Paul Petzoldt, believed one thing determined the success of an expedition more than anything else: expedition behavior.
EB means being prepared, on time, organized, flexible and humble; seeing the humor in everything; exercising a tolerance for adversity, uncertainty and discomfort; and putting the needs of the group and others on the same level or above one’s own needs. It’s a tall order but while on Petzoldt said it’s not the challenge of the environment that defeats expeditions but the quality of the interaction among the participants. This is borne out in research and experience. Successful courses at NOLS are committed to expedition behavior.
The church is a much more challenging expedition than a month long sojourn with students. In contrast to NOLS, the journey for parishioners is lifelong and time is often marked in a stretch of years – one congregation with the same people and pastor. We don’t require payment up front. Nor do we usually have a good description of the challenges ahead. Maybe we should.
Could Petzotdt’s insight about success being dependent on EB also fit congregations? I think so [and I agree] – and we desperately need it.
EB could stand for “ecclesiastical behavior” – how people in a congregation work with each other for the common good on the journey of faith. So ask yourselves, “Are we prepared, on time, organized, humble, flexible, able and willing to see the humor in everything? Do we exercise a tolerance for adversity, uncertainty and discomfort: Do we put the needs of the group and others on the same level or above our needs? Do we make room for different kinds of people?”
Amen
Heidi Jakoby
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