All Saints’
The Weekly WWW.ALLSAINTSCARMEL.ORG
Epiphany Sunday — January 5, 2014
Paying Homage to God’s Anointed –By The Rev. Rick Matters
The magi interpreted God’s purposes in the stars. So when they saw a particular star rising, they understood that God’s anointed was to be born. Somehow they discerned that this king would bring God’s grace to all the world, and not just to the small nation of Israel. So they set out at great risk and with much sacrifice to pay homage to their savior king. Their homage began as they followed the star to the manger. It continued as they offered gifts that represented their true selves. The gold symbolized their power and pleasure. The frankincense was used to worship God, and thus represented their true source of meaning. The myrrh was used for burial, and marked what they would live and die for. In this New Year we make a new beginning and, perhaps, make resolutions to improve ourselves. This Sunday the magi will visit All Saints’ to collect our new-life resolutions to present to God’s anointed along with their own gifts. What gold, frankincense, and myrrh will you offer the Christ child?
Upcoming Birthday Celebrations January 7 Janury 10 Janaury 11 January 13 January 16 January 18 January 20 January 21 January 22 January 26 January 27 January 30
Elizabeth Jannasch Joseph Avery Remy Ryan Elisabeth McPhail Paula Beckman, Brigga Mosca Bill Reed Beth Sterten Chet Lowrey Judy Kirk Umi Hongo, Norman Parris Tom Fontenay Raul Garcia
Scripture lessons for today
Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalm 84 Matthew 2:13-15,19-23 Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a
Scripture lessons for next week Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 29 Matthew 3:13-17 Acts 10:34-43