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Home by a Different Route 1/11/09 Matthew 2:1-11

This poem by Howard Thurman aptly describes the season of Epiphany. A time when having seen the Christ child we take that message to the world. The season of Epiphany is a time when what was hidden is uncovered and the light is shared with all who would receive it. There is a story told of a rabbi instructing his students. He asked the question of them "When can you tell that night is over and morning has dawned?" The first student quickly raises his hand, "It's when you can see through the dusk and recognize a cow from a dog." The teachers asks the question again, "When can you tell that night is over and morning has dawned?" The second student thinking he now knows the answer says "It's when you can see at dawns light and know the difference between an olive tree and an apple tree." No the rabbi says, you can tell when night is over and morning has dawned when you can look into the eyes of another person and see a sister or a brother.

When the last Christmas decoration is packed away in the attic, when the last cookie has been eaten, when the last party has happened the work of Christmas begins. Like the 3 magi who went to seek the Christ Child and returned by a different way, we too when

we have really experienced Christ's presence can no longer go home the same way. The seeker, the pilgrim resolves that the one who returns will not be the same person as the one who set out on the journey. We must act differently, we must speak different, we must forge a new way home that shows we have been touched by the Holy One. It can no longer be business as usual. Things change we see things differently, we look into the yes of one another and see a sister or brother worthy of our respect and care. We realize that went we left the comfort and security of our home to make the journey to Bethlehem's stable that our priorities and outlook must be different.

So we find ourselves on the first Sunday after Epiphany will this be a year of growth and change? Are there things in my life that have to go and other things that must become a part of my life? Do I have gifts and treasures to offer the Holy One that I have forgotten about or need dusted off? When we were visiting our neighbor in the nursing a few weeks ago I saw this thought hanging on a bulletin board. It goes like this:

"Only as high as I can reach I can grow.

Only as far as I can see I can go.

Only as deep as I look can I see.

Only as much as I dream can I be."

(Author anonymous)

We each – no matter our age, circumstances, or life's journey – have potential, undiscovered gifts, and the courage it takes to go home by a different route. For the One we meet at Christmas is the One who empowers our lives… is the One who get us up in the morning and headed in the right direction… is the One who gets us up in the morning and headed in the right direction… is the One who opens some doors and closes others. Nothing can keep us from becoming all that God wants us to be. God desires all the best for us.

And as we continue to follow the light we take what we have and share it with our brothers and experiences. We share our gifts and talents, we share our wisdom and insights, we share of our material and monetary possessions, and most importantly we share the gift of time with others. I read this prayer recently in one of my devotionals:

God is great,

God is good,

let us give thanks for our food.

By your hand may all be feed,

Make us God your daily bread.

Whose bread will you be tomorrow? Who will you see as your sister or brother and share the bread of life with on your journey? Who will come to walk along side of you as you go home by a different route? We need each other in community to encourage, to strengthen, and to give us hope when the road seems dark. Know that you have the bread of life, God's presence, to share with a world that so deeply needs change, peace, and hope.

So Happy Epiphany! May truly the light that shined in the deepest night come to bring the first light of morning to you. May you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Holy One abides and goes with you. And may God prepare the lives of your sisters and brothers be open to receive you as you so home by a different route.

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