Rev. Valarie Englert, Senior Pastor
Truly he taught us to love one another
His law is love and his gospel is peace
From verse 3, “O Holy Night”
O God of love:
On this day of Epiphany, we recall the story of travelers from the East
who experienced the light of your glory –
glory shining forth from a baby’s face,
God-with-us in a most surprising way.
Truly, you came to the world – to us – in that baby to teach us to love one another,
and to walk in the way of peace.
But our confession, dear God, is that we still struggle
to walk in your way of peace and love.
The Epiphany of your glory is hidden from our view,
the path of peace and love is cloudy.
We are mired in doubt and fear, division and blame.
Our lives are marked with a cautious distrust and avoidance of the other.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Clear our vision,
make our hearts soft,
may our hands reach out in an offering of care,
our feet firm on the path of peace.
May your glory dawn upon us again. Amen.
First Reflections 