Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
FRIDAY, January 6 The Epiphany
Matthew 2:1-12. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
My family sets up a crèche in our living room every year. It has all the typical figures of the Nativity: Mary and Joseph, the baby Jesus, the shepherds and animals. We set it up a few days before Christmas. But we put the three magi somewhere else in the house. Moving them closer each day, we finally put them by the manger on January 6. Their arrival marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Epiphany.
The wise men followed the star to Bethlehem, paid homage, and offered their gifts. When it was time to leave the manger to return to their home country, they were told to avoid Herod, to go home another way.
It is the end of Christmas and time for us to leave the manger, too. Could God be calling us to return by a different road? The magic of Christmas is over, but new life and possibility await us as we continue on our journey with Christ. We don’t leave the manger unchanged. Reflect on your resolutions, hopes, and dreams for the year ahead: How might you follow a different road this year?
O God, who revealed your only Son to the Gentiles by the leading of a star, mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may after this life enjoy the splendor of your gracious Godhead, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ps 72:1-7, 10-14; Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12
View the daily Lectionary Readings at http://satucket.com/lectionary/
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.
Become a Fan of Forward Day by Day on Facebook.
Follow Forward Day by Day on Twitter.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
