So, it is close to midnight on December 31 here in the Boston area: New Years Eve. And, what am I doing? I am sitting in our living room writing my sermon for this coming Sunday while my wife, son (and cat) sleep peacefully in their beds, not far away.
Some things never seem to change – like the never-ending challenge of finding the time to faithfully serve my small but doughty congregation while balancing my call to the ministry with the duties of father and husband; and the demands of the numerous efforts, activities, and causes I’m involved in. It is quiet here in the darkened house. Everything seems stable, solid and at peace.
On the other hand, this Sunday is Epiphany Sunday and the star that shines so bright in Matthew chapter two, guiding the Wise ones who come from afar, is all about change – announcing that change is soon to come, and also confirming that those changes have indeed already begun. And with that change comes the realization that the old rules no longer apply; and that we can no longer expect the world to work as we believe it has always done. That we cannot proceed with business as usual any more.
Change is coming, and change is already here.
Change can be scary, but instead of fighting it, or pretending it isn’t happening, we – as people of faith – are called to acknowledge it, to see God’s purpose flowing in it, and to understand that while dealing with change is always a challenge, every change carries within it the promise and grace of of God.
I pray that this past year has been a good one for you – yes there have been many changes in all of our lives – good changes, and bad. I pray that in this coming year you are blessed with the wisdom and strength and resources you need to deal with the new changes and challenges you will face. And, I also pray that we all stand together, helping each other rather than fighting each other (as we have done so often in recent years) so that the changes we face as a people, and as creatures of God’s Green earth, are confronted and dealt with compassion, with wisdom, and with God’s grace fully active in our every thought and word and deed.
Remember the Star shining above that stable in the Gospel of Matthew, leading the wise to the Promise of God: a light that was a harbinger of the changes to come, but also the promise that God’s light is within those changes, and that God will never forsake us, nor forget us.
And so I wonder as I write this sermon – is the light of that star merely announcing that change is coming; or is it a light – a light of the Divine – that makes it possible for us to see the change that is already here?
Peace be with you all now, and in the days and weeks and months to come.
Have a Blessed and Happy New Year!
Amen.
Copyright (c) 2015, Allen Vander Meulen III, all rights reserved. I’m happy to share my writings with you, as long as proper credit for my authorship is given. (e.g., via a credit that gives my full name and/or provides a link back to this site – or just email me and ask!)
The Here and the Hereafter 
Yes, the star so long ago announced the presence of God come to earth and his intervention as God and human in our history. And the world would never be the same after that point! Blessings to all in 2016 especially you Allen and your family……Rob C.
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