The Gift of the Magi….

           The Gift of the Magi is a poignant story of sacrificial love. First published in 1905, the story invites readers into the world of a newly married couple. It is Christmas Eve and the young couple have neither time nor money to buy presents for one another. Then, miraculously an answer is found. The young woman sells her flowing auburn hair to purchase a golden chain for her husband’s treasured pocket watch. Hurrying home from work, the young husband sells that very watch so he can purchase a beautiful set of ornamental combs for his wife’s hair. With comic irony, the couple discovers that neither the combs nor the watch chain are now of any value or utility. Gone is the flowing auburn hair as is the treasured golden pocket watch. What remains is sacrificial love, a love so enduring and so authentic that it cannot be represented by simple material gifts. This week we celebrate another story of Magi. Magi from a foreign land bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for a tiny babe in a manger. Gifts that symbolically identify the Christ Child as king, priest, and suffering servant. More significantly, it is the Magi who receive a great gift. The gift of God’s promises will be fulfilled through sacrificial love. Now, that is genuinely Good News.

Blessings,

Pastor Tom

Epiphany is one of the most joyous feast days in the church year as we celebrate the visit of the Magi and Jesus’ coming as Savior of all people. Because it happens 12 days after Christmas, the celebration can be lost in post-holiday fatigue. However, with a little creative thinking, this holy day can shine. Here is one very interesting thing to do.

MAGI STARGAZING NIGHT

In honor of these ancient stargazers, celebrate the season by following in their footsteps. Look up at the night sky. Many theologians and scientists believe that the star the Magi were tracking was actually the planet Jupiter. You can check this chart to see when it is visible in the night sky.

On Sunday, Jan. 9, after service, join us for lunch, and if you want you can stay a bit and help pack away the Christmas decorations. The very famous TURKEY Sandwiches are being served.

Church of the Four Seasons

Salem United Methodist