Colossians 3:14-16
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:14-16 (NIV)
Our devotions in January and February focus on the Epiphany, the 12 days from the birth of Jesus to the arrival of the Three Wise Men. An epiphany, by definition, is a sudden realization or comprehension, much like a vision illuminating the truth of a matter. In a spiritual context, this can be understood as the divine bestowal of insight, a gift of prophecy or vision from the universe, God, or the higher self.
When I grew up, we took the tinsel and ornaments off the cedar tree we found in our tree line on January 6, the first day of the Epiphany. The Three Wise men from the nativity set were packed away with stories about “the star.”
January 6, 2025 was a different celebration for me this year. Rather than removing tinsel from a tree, I gathered with many others at Southwood to celebrate the life of my best friend, Pat Brown. Thinking about the insight Pat now has is beyond my comprehension. I’m sure Pat was blessed with an incredible epiphany when God took her into his arms. What a gift that must be!
Today’s text is one of love, unity and peace, all gifts I prayed for Pat to be surrounded with during her hospice journey and gifts we lifted up as we honored the way Pat lived out her faith through her family, church and community. I knew that Pat had a much deeper sense of love than I did when her last words to me were, “God is Love.”
Verse 16 says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” During Pat’s journey we read the daily devotion from her leatherbound “Jesus Calling” devotional. The message of the day was always spot on. On the day of Pat’s passing the last words on the page were, “But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation.” Psalm 13:5 As I look at the book cover now, I see that the subtitle says, ’Enjoying Peace in His Presence,’ words that beautifully sum up today’s text.
Thanks be to God!
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you had an epiphany?
- What was it about?
- Did it change your way of thinking or acting?
Prayer:
God of Peace and Love, Bless us with an insight to the power and strength of your endless love. Help us be aware of those moments of enlightenment that you bestow upon us. Guide us in using this wisdom for the good of all. In your Holy name, Amen
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