What is the Epiphany of Our Lord?
Epiphany is 12 days after Christmas. It means “appearance.” Many countries called it as “Three Kings Day.” The Magi were the ones who gave gifts to the Lord. According to tradition the first was Melchior who offered gold to the Lord as king. The second was Gaspar who honored him as God by his gift of incense, and offering worthy of divinity. The third one was Balthasar who gave Jesus the gift of myrrh, the ointment used for Jesus’ burial. The three Magi visited the child Jesus and showed how God’s gift of the Gospel is for everyone. Epiphany cheers God revealing himself to the world.
The Epiphany celebrates Christ’s birth, the honor of Magi, his baptism, and the first miracle at Cana. The Christians began observing the events below:
The six-month period from Advent to Pentecost comprises all six major events: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.
In some countries there are various traditions on Epiphany, such as eating a “Kings Cake” with a trinket baked inside. Whoever discovers the trinket, is King or Queen for the day. It would be thrilling to be royalty for the day, right? However, Christ turns our hearts to a status as a royal priesthood, as Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2. France treats Epiphany as the Feast of Kings, while Spanish-speaking countries called “Three Kings Day” and the kings delivered gifts, not the Sana Claus.
Today, on Epiphany some people take down their Christmas decorations and store them away for the next year. One time I left a Christmas tree in the living room until July and nobody reminded me!
The physical reminders of Christmas are everywhere. For instance, the twinkly lights on a tree represent of the angels announcing Christ’s birth to the shepherds. The star ornaments direct my mind to the star that led the wise men on their two-year journey. The tree is shaped like a triangle reminding us of Trinity. Epiphany, the appearance of God, is an opportunity to rejoice that Christ has shown up for all men regardless of race or status. Epiphany is also part of revelation. Jesus revealed himself to the world. May we open our hearts to retrieve revelation of God.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look about you; All assemble and come to you; your sons and daughters are carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy,” Isaiah 60:1-5.
~~ Pastor Andy
The Epiphany celebrates Christ’s birth, the honor of Magi, his baptism, and the first miracle at Cana. The Christians began observing the events below:
- First century: the earliest Christians set aside one day a week as the Lord’s Day.
- Second Century: Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.
- Third century: Epiphany.
- Fourth Century: Christmas.
The six-month period from Advent to Pentecost comprises all six major events: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.
In some countries there are various traditions on Epiphany, such as eating a “Kings Cake” with a trinket baked inside. Whoever discovers the trinket, is King or Queen for the day. It would be thrilling to be royalty for the day, right? However, Christ turns our hearts to a status as a royal priesthood, as Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2. France treats Epiphany as the Feast of Kings, while Spanish-speaking countries called “Three Kings Day” and the kings delivered gifts, not the Sana Claus.
Today, on Epiphany some people take down their Christmas decorations and store them away for the next year. One time I left a Christmas tree in the living room until July and nobody reminded me!
The physical reminders of Christmas are everywhere. For instance, the twinkly lights on a tree represent of the angels announcing Christ’s birth to the shepherds. The star ornaments direct my mind to the star that led the wise men on their two-year journey. The tree is shaped like a triangle reminding us of Trinity. Epiphany, the appearance of God, is an opportunity to rejoice that Christ has shown up for all men regardless of race or status. Epiphany is also part of revelation. Jesus revealed himself to the world. May we open our hearts to retrieve revelation of God.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look about you; All assemble and come to you; your sons and daughters are carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy,” Isaiah 60:1-5.
~~ Pastor Andy
Facts about Peter
Who was Peter’s brother? (Matt. 4:8)
While Peter and Andrew became part of Jesus’ inner circle, there was another disciple who came from Peter’s hometown. Who was that disciple? (John 1:44)
What was the name of the person whose ear Peter chopped off as Jesus was being arrested? (John 18:10)
Which member of Simon Peter’s family had a illness that was cured by Christ?
(Matt. 8:14-15)
(Matt. 8:14-15)
Who greeted Peter at Mary’s house when he escaped from prison after being arrested by King? (Acts 12:3)
After Peter’s speech at Pentecost, about how many persons were immediately baptized? (Acts 2:41)
Peter advised Christians everywhere to be encouraged because "there is ___ ____ ahead..." What is ahead, according to 1 Peter 4:13 in the New Living Translation?
Humans are compared to what animals in 1 Peter 2:2?
Where is the well-known church as St Peter’s basilica located?
Who was the man who had been bedridden for eight years but was healed by Peter in Lydda? (Acts 9:33)
Letters From Prison (part 3)
Onesimus was a run-away slave. His master had become a Christian. But as long a Onesimus was enslaved, he had no interest in his master’s God.
When Onesimus had the chance, he escaped. He sought his protection with the person who led his master to Christ – the Apostle Paul – whom God then used to lead Onesimus to Christ.
Now Onesimus had a moral dilemma. He knew that slavery was wrong, and he didn’t want to be a slave, but he felt that he needed to go back to his master, ask his forgiveness and make restitution. That could be a very risky thing to do. Under Roman law, Onesimus’ master could have him executed. Regardless of the cost, he knew it was the right thing to do.
Paul wanted to go with Onesimus, but he couldn’t. Paul was a prisoner of the Roman Emperor Nero. So Paul sent his helper, Tychicus, with a personal letter from Paul to Onesimus’ master, Philemon.
In that letter Paul urged Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him back, “no longer as a slave, but as a dear brother.” It was a short but powerful letter that is now part of the New Testament.
Did Philemon forgive Onesimus and give him his freedom? The Bible does not answer that question, but early Church historians reported that, yes, Onesimus became a free man and eventually he became the pastor of the church that had met in his master’s house.
Paul also gave Tychicus two other letters to deliver, which we will examine next.
Onesimus was a run-away slave. His master had become a Christian. But as long a Onesimus was enslaved, he had no interest in his master’s God.
When Onesimus had the chance, he escaped. He sought his protection with the person who led his master to Christ – the Apostle Paul – whom God then used to lead Onesimus to Christ.
Now Onesimus had a moral dilemma. He knew that slavery was wrong, and he didn’t want to be a slave, but he felt that he needed to go back to his master, ask his forgiveness and make restitution. That could be a very risky thing to do. Under Roman law, Onesimus’ master could have him executed. Regardless of the cost, he knew it was the right thing to do.
Paul wanted to go with Onesimus, but he couldn’t. Paul was a prisoner of the Roman Emperor Nero. So Paul sent his helper, Tychicus, with a personal letter from Paul to Onesimus’ master, Philemon.
In that letter Paul urged Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him back, “no longer as a slave, but as a dear brother.” It was a short but powerful letter that is now part of the New Testament.
Did Philemon forgive Onesimus and give him his freedom? The Bible does not answer that question, but early Church historians reported that, yes, Onesimus became a free man and eventually he became the pastor of the church that had met in his master’s house.
Paul also gave Tychicus two other letters to deliver, which we will examine next.
Remember those who are in prison
as if you were in prison with them.
Hebrews 13:3
as if you were in prison with them.
Hebrews 13:3
Christ and the Passover
(part 1)
- Bible trivia question: What was the most important salvation event for the nation of Israel in the Old Testament?
- Answer: The Passover and their Exodus from slavery in Egypt.
Normally we associate Passover with the life of Jesus during the season of Lent, which this year begins in the month of March. It was during the Passover celebration that Jesus had the Last Supper and then He was arrested and crucified.
But when we carefully study the life of Jesus in the Gospels, we find connections to the Passover beginning at the time He was a very young child.
But when we carefully study the life of Jesus in the Gospels, we find connections to the Passover beginning at the time He was a very young child.
Connection #1 – Sacrifice for the Firstborn
Luke 2:21-24; Exodus 13:1-2,11-13
When Jesus was one month old, Joseph and Mary took Him to the temple to offer a special sacrifice on His behalf.
After the people of Israel left Egypt and they were going to cross the through the Red Sea, God gave them two important commandments to help them always remember how He saved them.
he first commandment was that they must celebrate the Passover every year and tell their children the Passover story.
The second commandment was “Consecrate [give] to Me every firstborn male. The first baby of every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, whether man or animal.” (Exodus 13:2)
That means they must sacrifice the firstborn lambs, goats, and calves, or offering another animal as a substitute. Firstborn human babies also belong to God. Since God does not permit human sacrifice, the parents must offer an animal as a substitute.
What was the point of that sacrifice? God wanted Israel to never forget the price that Egyptians paid. The firstborn of the Egyptians gave their lives for Israel's freedom. The Firstborn Son of God gave His life for your salvation.
Luke 2:21-24; Exodus 13:1-2,11-13
When Jesus was one month old, Joseph and Mary took Him to the temple to offer a special sacrifice on His behalf.
After the people of Israel left Egypt and they were going to cross the through the Red Sea, God gave them two important commandments to help them always remember how He saved them.
he first commandment was that they must celebrate the Passover every year and tell their children the Passover story.
The second commandment was “Consecrate [give] to Me every firstborn male. The first baby of every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, whether man or animal.” (Exodus 13:2)
That means they must sacrifice the firstborn lambs, goats, and calves, or offering another animal as a substitute. Firstborn human babies also belong to God. Since God does not permit human sacrifice, the parents must offer an animal as a substitute.
What was the point of that sacrifice? God wanted Israel to never forget the price that Egyptians paid. The firstborn of the Egyptians gave their lives for Israel's freedom. The Firstborn Son of God gave His life for your salvation.
Connection #2 – Return from Egypt
Matthew 2:13-14
When King Herod tried to kill the child Jesus, God told Joseph to take his family to Egypt until Herod died. The Bible says that their return to Israel parallels Israel’s escape from Egypt.
Matthew 2:13-14
When King Herod tried to kill the child Jesus, God told Joseph to take his family to Egypt until Herod died. The Bible says that their return to Israel parallels Israel’s escape from Egypt.
Connection #3 – Boy Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2:41-51
Every year Joseph and Mary went with their children to celebrate Passover at the temple in Jerusalem. When Jesus was 12 years old, He stayed behind at the temple after His family left. It took three days for Joseph and Mary to find Him again.
Luke 2:41-51
Every year Joseph and Mary went with their children to celebrate Passover at the temple in Jerusalem. When Jesus was 12 years old, He stayed behind at the temple after His family left. It took three days for Joseph and Mary to find Him again.
|
|
Connection #4 – Jesus’ baptism
Matthew 3:13-17; Exodus 14:21-22
When a Gentile (non-Jewish person) wanted to join Israel under God’s Covenant, one of the things he must do was become baptized, as a sign that the person joins Israel passing through the Red Sea. John the Baptist told the Jews who came to hear him that they also must repent and be baptized. Then Jesus came and asked John to baptize Him. At first John said no, because Jesus didn’t need to repent. Jesus had no sin. But in His baptism, Jesus took on our sin, just as He did again on the cross.
To be continued.
Matthew 3:13-17; Exodus 14:21-22
When a Gentile (non-Jewish person) wanted to join Israel under God’s Covenant, one of the things he must do was become baptized, as a sign that the person joins Israel passing through the Red Sea. John the Baptist told the Jews who came to hear him that they also must repent and be baptized. Then Jesus came and asked John to baptize Him. At first John said no, because Jesus didn’t need to repent. Jesus had no sin. But in His baptism, Jesus took on our sin, just as He did again on the cross.
To be continued.
Deaf Culture – Annual Events
The public just celebrated the 50th anniversary of Clerc-Gallaudet Week, December 3-10, 2024. formerly Deaf Awareness Week (DAW).
I had a fond memory of the first week of December 1974. A small group of employees of the DC Public Library system, were all being taught ASL by Ida Mapes and myself, who then worked in the Catalog Department. We were honored to host the first ever Deaf Culture Event at the DC Public Library.
I was a part time MLS graduate student at that time. The group invited Mary Jane Rhodes, a volunteer at the NAD with her Deaf Awareness Project to help us with the event. The week was a huge success. (DC Archives)
Mary Jane Rhodes was a hearing mother of a Deaf Adult son, Ronald, who had attended the Indiana School for the Deaf, and then transferred to Model Secondary School for the Deaf. (MSSD is a branch of the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet DC)
Mary Jane Rhodes died at age 85 on July 7, 2018. Her son Ronald Rhodes is current president of the .Arizona Association of the Deaf. (DC Archives)
- Every Family Has a Story – Welcome to Ours.
- Every Nonprofit Organization Has a History – Welcome to Ours.
- Every Senior Citizen Has a Fond Memory – Welcome to Ours.
The public just celebrated the 50th anniversary of Clerc-Gallaudet Week, December 3-10, 2024. formerly Deaf Awareness Week (DAW).
I had a fond memory of the first week of December 1974. A small group of employees of the DC Public Library system, were all being taught ASL by Ida Mapes and myself, who then worked in the Catalog Department. We were honored to host the first ever Deaf Culture Event at the DC Public Library.
I was a part time MLS graduate student at that time. The group invited Mary Jane Rhodes, a volunteer at the NAD with her Deaf Awareness Project to help us with the event. The week was a huge success. (DC Archives)
Mary Jane Rhodes was a hearing mother of a Deaf Adult son, Ronald, who had attended the Indiana School for the Deaf, and then transferred to Model Secondary School for the Deaf. (MSSD is a branch of the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet DC)
Mary Jane Rhodes died at age 85 on July 7, 2018. Her son Ronald Rhodes is current president of the .Arizona Association of the Deaf. (DC Archives)
Belonging
The great thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself. – A quote from Michel de Montaigne, 1533-1592. He was one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance.
I know I belong to Deaf Culture of my language, both sign and written English.
I belong to my immediate family, both Deaf and hearing.
And I also belong to the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the oldest and the first known national membership organization in America that builds a culture of civility. Maryland Association of the Deaf (MDAD) and some others are state affiliates of the NAD.
Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) - a culture of education - is a national affiliate of the NAD
Maryland School for the Deaf - a member of CEASD - is not a state affiliate of the NAD
National Association of State Agencies of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NASADHH) - a culture of government - is a national affiliate of the NAD.
Maryland Government's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) - a member of NASADHH, is also a state affiliate of the NAD
Source www.nad.org/members
The great thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself. – A quote from Michel de Montaigne, 1533-1592. He was one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance.
I know I belong to Deaf Culture of my language, both sign and written English.
I belong to my immediate family, both Deaf and hearing.
And I also belong to the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the oldest and the first known national membership organization in America that builds a culture of civility. Maryland Association of the Deaf (MDAD) and some others are state affiliates of the NAD.
Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) - a culture of education - is a national affiliate of the NAD
Maryland School for the Deaf - a member of CEASD - is not a state affiliate of the NAD
National Association of State Agencies of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NASADHH) - a culture of government - is a national affiliate of the NAD.
Maryland Government's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) - a member of NASADHH, is also a state affiliate of the NAD
Source www.nad.org/members
Alice Hagemeyer is the Task Force chair of the MD Governor's Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Objective: To establish the Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL) nationwide
To be continued.
To be continued.
