Slideshow image

By Donna Whiteside

IF YOU ARE like me, the New Year brings the annual tradition of self-improvement resolutions, the removal of the Christmas tree and the glittering decorations are gently wrapped and placed in storage to return again with the next Advent season. 

Christmas is over.

But is Christmas really over?  What happened to the twelve days of Christmas?  You know, the twelve days between December 25th and the arrival of the Magi, the Epiphany of the Lord and the prophetic gifts offered to the Christ child.

Centuries before the birth of Jesus, Daniel was placed in charge of the wise men in the province of Babylon. These wise men were referred to as the Magi. Scholars who sought truth from ancient writings and astrologers who studied the heavens. 

In their quest for truth, they found and followed the star that led them to the Christ child.  With gifts of gold, a customary gift for royalty; frankincense, burned at ceremonial worship of deity; and myrrh, a key ingredient to prepare bodies for burial; all three gifts revealed thought-provoking implications that related to the life and ministry of Jesus.

We may not have a Star of Bethlehem to lead us to our Lord and Saviour, but we do have prayer.  It is our direct connection and communication with God to offer our gifts of love, thanksgiving and praise.

Jesus, light of the world; lead us out of the darkness that we may be willing and able servants to bring the faith, hope, joy and love we found in the worship of Advent, to the lost, the broken and the lonely.  Grant us the strength and courage in this new year to be Your disciples of peace and love.  Amen.

As we enter into this new year, may the Epiphany of our Lord bring new insight and meaning to your prayer life, your time of worship and the love of God. God’s Blessing in 2025.

Donna Whiteside is an AFP Huron Executive Member.