From the Pastor's Desk
Reverend David Kaul
“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, 'Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him!'”
- Matthew 2:1, 2
Chalking the door at Epiphany!
On Epiphany, January 6th, we're going to chalk the church doors with 20 + C + M + B + 08. The numbers represent the new year. The letters are the first letters in the traditional names of the magi Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. They came a long distance following a star seeking the Christ child. (St. Matthew really doesn't tell us their names or how many there were - he simply calls them the magi!) Since the time of the Middle Ages people gathered at church on Epiphany for a blessing. Then returned home to chalk their doors and remember that our lives and homes reflect the wonderful light of Christ.
I recently buried an 85 year old woman who operated a hairdressing business from her home in Plano. Everyone who came to the house left better for the visit. They entered a bit shaggy and in need of a trim. They left with their outside looking a lot better! She helped to change their inside as well! She always made people feel comfortable and welcome at her home. Grandchildren invited friends to watch t.v. and eat popcorn at Grandma's. Some stayed. As teens and young adults some returned to live with her. Later they brought their babies to meet this remarkable woman who radiated warm hospitality. She delighted in them! Diabetes took her life. Now she rests in Jesus!
As we chalk the doors of our homes this Epiphany may God help us to reflect the love of Jesus Christ. We must ask, “Are people changed for the better on both their outside and inside because of this encounter?” One of the most nasty words applied by those outside the church to describe the people inside the church is hypocrite. That is a person who says one thing and does not live it! My prayer as we begin 2008 is that God's Spirit will bless you and yours with transforming love. That no matter what the circumstances or challenges, our lives will radiate the welcoming kindness of Jesus Christ. His love can change a person on both the inside and out!
May God fill your new year with good experiences and rich growth in Jesus Christ.
In His love,
Pastor Dave
P.S. thank you for the many cards, notes, and gifts given to our family this Christmas.