Epiphany

Epiphany is the season when we celebrate the ministry of Jesus. We are past the Advent and Nativity and moving into the actual doings of Christ. In the choir, we are starting to work on our Lenten cantata (which, you will all be pleased to hear, does not change meters every few measures like our Christmas cantata did). It's very exciting to sing lyrics about spring and new birth. Please stay tuned for the cantata performance on March 14!

Today we recognized the tragedies occurring as a result of the earthquake in Haiti. We feel so helpless, yet want so badly to do something to show we care. The theme scripture for today was the first miracle of Christ-the turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Our anthem lyrics were a faithful scriptural accounting of the story, using lots of chromatic harmonies in the accompaniment, perhaps to suggest the turmoil of Jesus not knowing whether he should reveal his powers yet or not. My favorite line was "Jesus mother sternly said 'What e'er he asks of you prepare!" The women taking up the line of dialogue on that line, which followed Jesus saying he would not do it "What is that to me?" As David explained in the sermon, each of us may be called to play the role of Jesus' mother--to urge on someone to perform great deeds even if they do not feel equal to or prepared for the task.

While none of us can literally turn water into wine, each of us can make a difference and we must remember that. We must stay engaged and faithful and be open to opportunities for the holy spirit to work through us. May we all find ways to do this throughout the winter months!