Happy Epiphany!

A post from Outreach Coordinator Liz Gray:

Today is Epiphany – the day we celebrate the Word made flesh, the manifestation of God’s love in the person of Jesus Christ.  On this day we think of the Wise Men, the Gentiles who recognized the child Jesus as the King of the Jews.  We think too of Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana – another instance where people first saw Jesus for who he really was.

For those of us who have already met Jesus, Epiphany becomes a reminder that we have a part to play in manifesting God’s love to the world. Our part in all of this is a bit like the angels’ was to the shepherds: showing people where to look when they want to see Jesus.

So in 2011, I want to be a little bit more observant and intentional – looking around at the people about me, seeking those opportunities to point the way, to say, “Look here.” I want to hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit, nudging me and saying, “Speak now” or “Act now,” “Love now” or “Serve now” or “This one is ready to hear from me – be my voice, my hands, my feet…”  I know God will speak – sometimes explicitly though a specific word, but sometimes just through opportunities that come along.

I know that, as a church, we all want to be ready to respond to our neighbors, friends, and family, so we can help them see Jesus.  We want to be alert and primed for action, listening out for the Holy Spirit whispering ‘Go!’

Sometimes we’ll respond to that nudge from the Holy Spirit on our own; sometimes we’ll do it corporately. If you’re looking for ways to respond to the whispers you’ve been hearing, here are a few things coming up that you could get involved with as part of a group:

• On Saturday, January 15, we will be praying at church from 9-10am – this is the BEST time of the month –all very welcome!
• On Friday, January 21, we will be gathering to hear a speaker and praying for Christians living under persecution. Do also pick up a Barnabas Prayer guide at the church to help you pray every day for the persecute church.
• A number of folk are attending the Perspectives course at McLean Bible Church this semester.
• Monthly breakfasts start on February 11 to train people to reach out to their Spheres of Influence. Fancy a 6:30 a.m. start to a Friday morning?
• Individuals  are mentoring young people at Casa Chirilagua: this is a HUGE blessing to the kids, and no particular skills needed except a desire to walk alongside a young person!
• Teams are forming to visit the elderly at the local Sunrise Home: come and visit someone else’s grandparent!

What will you do in 2011 to help people see Jesus?  Whether it’s one of these activities or something else, I will be hoping and praying that you are listening for that whisper in your ear that says, “Speak to this one!”

If you want more details on any of the above or to tell me about what you are doing, please contact me at liz [at] restorationarlington [dot] org.