Sermon Notes for January 8, 2012

Sunday, January 8 (EPIPHANY translated)

This year, I could not pass up the opportunity to celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord.  Epiphany actually falls on Friday, January 6, but this Sunday, we are translating, or moving the celebration, so that we can observe Epiphany on a Sunday. 

In Isaiah’s prophecy, the ninth chapter (which we read at Christmas), the prophet proclaims that a light will shine on those who dwell in deep darkness – a light brought into the world because a child is born and a son is given.  In chapter 60 (read for Epiphany), we are summoned to “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” 

It is the light of a star that guides kings to bring “the riches of the nations” to the Christ Child.  The work of the church today is to be that guiding light that continues to bring seekers to the King of Kings.
 

In our Epiphany worship, a short puppet play introduces us to Gabriel the camel, whose ancestors followed the Epiphany star to the Christ Child.  Gabriel will help us understand the “riches of the nations” the wise men brought and in the sermon we will focus on how the “riches of the nations” are still brought to Christ today.

Sermon Outline:

GIFTS FOR THE KING

     Led by Star-Light

     Led by Church-Light

REMINDER: We celebrate the Baptism of our Lord at 3PM, which is also the ordination and installation of Bethany's Special Mission Pastor, Joseph B. Davis.  Our regular schedule of services returns this Sunday - 0830 and 11 with Sunday School for all ages in between.  Join us live, or watch by webcam.