Gaspar's Memoirs

Webster’s New World Dictionary describes an epiphany is “a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something.”  The term Epiphany is also associated with the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem as told in Matthew’s Gospel, traditionally celebrated on January 6^th each year.  Interestingly, this is also the day that The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates what we in the West celebrate as Christmas on December 25^th.  

Tradition ascribes the names "Melchior", "Balthazar", and "Gaspar" to the thee Magi who traveled to Jerusalem and then on to Bethlehem from distant eastern lands following the star that led them to "the house" where Jesus was staying with his mother, Mary (Matt. 2:11).  There they offered Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh - symbols of their adoration and worship.

I got to thinking...what might one of those Magi offer us today in terms of their reflections on the meaning of their journey, the realization that this infant king was someone WAY more significant than they'd anticipated (hence, the term "epiphany"), and the transformation that happened in their lives as a result of their encounter with the one we call Immanuel, God-with-us?

From those musings came the idea for the sermon for this Sunday, Jan. 6th: "Gaspar's Memoirs".  I hope you'll plan to join us in worship at Fort Collins First United Methodist Church (www.fcfumc.net) this Sunday and let Gaspar's reflections guide you to what may be your own epiphany as you encounter Immanuel in this house of worship.  We will also be celebrating with communion and music provided by a Men's Barbershop Quartet and the "Stover Street Stompers", our own Dixieland Gospel Band.

Hope 2013 is off to a great start for you,

Steve

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