Over the past few weeks, it’s become clear: winter has arrived. The ground has been covered by a blanket of white snow, our trees have been glistening with ice and that cold winter air wraps around us when we step out the door. This is the part of winter that I love. Well, maybe not the cold winds, but I love the visuals of winter. That time of year when the snow is bright and crisp looking. Where the snow crunches beneath our feet only to give way to fluffy softness. It’s the best kind of snow for playing in,walking in, and for just enjoying the refreshing air. Which has left me thinking about the New Year and the season of Epiphany. This is the time of year when we emphasize the ways in which light breaks through to guide us, comfort us and strengthen us, even when it seems impossible. Another words, it’s the time of year when we celebrate the ways in which God comes to us in ordinary and extraordinary ways, each and every day. And one of those ways is through Christ, the one who is Emmanuel: God with us. As we transition from Christmas, we pause to recall all the ways in which Christ draws us closer to God. We pause to catch a glimpse of the Divine, who is actively working in the world around us. And this is the perfect time of year to do it. Sometimes when we leave behind the joyous season of Christmas, we can find the new year cold and lonely. But the season of Epiphany encourages us to always be on the lookout for God’s presence in the everyday things around us. Through our experiences of Jesus or through simple moments that give us hope and encouragement. A few weeks ago, I experienced such a moment. I was returning home with my family one cold evening when I found myself drawn to the bush that sits in front of our house. Our Christmas lights still adorned it (truth be told, they still do!) and they seemed to be just twinkling in the darkness. But what caught my eye was the cause of that twinkling: beautiful icicles hanging off of every branch! It made the bush look as though it was twinkling with delight. I was so captivated with it, that after putting my son to bed I grabbed my camera and went back out in the cold and snow to capture what I experienced. Of course, the camera never fully captures the joy and beauty of such a moment, but I still tried! As I look back at the photos, I am reminded of how beautiful and warm that moment felt, even though it was late and cold (oh so cold!). But the beauty and brightness I saw brought me joy as I recalled why these lights adorn the bush in the first place. As a part of my Christmas celebrations to welcome the Light into the world: the Christ Child. All around us, are simple moments that can bring us joy, or offer us comfort and healing. Moments that can be easily overlooked if we hurry from one place to the next. And so, as I look back on that moment I am reminded of how important it is to pause, breathe and be present. Especially this winter, as we continue through this challenging and isolating pandemic. I encourage you to be on the look out for the small Epiphanies happening around you. Keep your eyes open for the ways in which the Divine is breaking through, to bring you what you need. For with God, we can and should expect the unexpected. Even in the cold, weary days of this winter, God comes to us to show us the Way. Which is what we celebrate during the Season of Epiphany: that God came to us in the most unexpected of ways, in human form. To be one with us. So when you grow tired and weary this winter, pause and look. Look for the light glimmering in the cold and shadows. Look for the warmth that brings comfort and peace. And when you find it, celebrate and give thanks, for God is here! We are not alone.
Devotional was written by Rev. Tara Ann Gourson, January 2021.
Bideford Pastoral Charge 