The Cold Springer - Week of January 6, 2019

Sunday, Jan. 6th, 2019 - Holy Baptism

Becoming Magi

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Gospel of Matthew.

There are a number of things that I really like about the Magi; those wise ones who, by a great star, navigated their way across the desert to find Jesus and his family in a lowly stable. They were not bound by self interest or brick and mortar. They were nomadic, dedicated to discovery. They were seekers of the truth.

The ancient Greek historian, Herodotus (c. 484 – 425/413 BCE), wrote that the Magi were descended from a Median tribe in Persia, that they were skilled in philosophy, medicine and natural science. They were soothsayers and interpreters of dreams. And of course, they were astrologists.

Everyone back then believed in astrology. They believed that the narrative arch of their lives were scribed upon the heavens. They believed their destinies were determined by the star under which they were born. And why not? The stars, had been, as long as anyone could remember, unvarying.

And so, when that bright star burst onto the stage the audience gasped… those three kings of Orient were frozen in their tracks. “We’ve read this cosmic map our entire lives,” they said to one another. “And never have we seen this star adorn the horizon.”

Of course they followed it, the immutable cosmic order had fissured, it looked to them as if God were breaking into the creation.

One of the things I really like about the Magi was that - even though they were outsiders, outside of the covenant, no real knowledge of the Law and the prophets - they responded to this sign without fear because of hope. They were called and by grace fulfilled a prophecy they didn’t know existed.

They were drawn to Jesus and they became a sign that the love of God in Christ extends beyond all natural and political boundaries.

They were drawn to Jesus and they became a sign that the Love of God can call us to the radiant center of our faith, from no matter where we’re standing.

They were drawn to Jesus and they became a model of humility, generosity and thoughtfulness. Offering homage and treasure. Treasure that had more than value it had meaning.

How might we become like the Magi? Seekers of the truth, discoverers of Christ. We can become sensitive to God’s presence in the world around us. We can look at the night sky or pray the hymns.

We can prepare ourselves to read the cues that are revealed in our everyday routines. You can have an epiphany on the LIE, you can have one on the LIRR.

Unselfish in our giving, we can share with open hands and hearts. We can share one another’s joys and sorrows. We can share the stories of our past and our dreams for the future, we can share a seat at the table.

By uniting ourselves to God and to one another we chart our course to Bethlehem - the City of David - where Jacob buried Rachel, where Ruth married Boaz, where Mary and Joseph care for the child Jesus.

Without fear, because of hope we navigate across the wilderness by faith, moving ever closer to the Lord, taking our place in the divine narrative, the great story of God’s saints in heaven and on earth.

May we, in this brief but poignant season of Epiphany, find ways to awaken ourselves to stars that God is shining on the horizon of our lives. May we, like the Magi, have the wisdom to seek the truth and discover Jesus.

The Reverend Jesse Lebus

Children's Chapel

This week our young parishioners upstairs in the Sherwood Room will hear the story of the Magi who follow a star and discover the new born King, Jesus the Christ. How did they get there? Did they know what they would find?

We will ask them what gifts they would bring to Jesus. They will spend the creative part of thier time together reading, playing with the Godly Play Resources, and drawing pictures of the gifts they would offer.

Elements of Faith

Using the Sunday Paper, a periodical for kids, this class will explore the story of the Epiphany through this Sunday's readings. After a discussion about the texts, the class will make Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh onesies for the baby who is being baptized in the "big" church.

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer to help in our Sunday School program please contact our curate, The Rev. Jesse Lebus. We need people to assist in all areas of youth formation. Please consider this opportunity to help form our young faithful parishioners. You don't need to have a PhD in theology only a desire to learn more about your own faith and help kids have fun.

Family Friday - Baking & Breaking Bread

Friday, Jan 18 at 6 pm
The Rectory
290 Harbor Road

Our clergy families will host the third annual bread baking winter Family Friday. All families are welcome to join us for a comforting casserole, beverages, and baking bread for Sunday's Eucharist. A main course will be provided, so please bring sides or salads to share.

MLK JR. Day of Service

Monday, Jan 21, 12 - 2 pm
St. John's Church
Bleecker Hall

St. John’s Church, Cold Spring Harbor and The Outreach Program are partnering to help families bring well balanced meals to their tables. Your help is needed make the dream come true!

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his prophetic witness for peace and justice we are hosting our meal making day of service. Folks of all ages are welcome to join in the effort to make over 20,000 meals in a few hours. If you took part last year, than you know its possible and amazing what we can do to help those who are hungry.

Please join us. Community Service time available.