Feast of Epiphany – January 6, 2026
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” 
- Ephesians 3:6 –
In the book “Balls of Fire,” Stefan Kanfer tells the story of Lucille Ball, the beautiful and prolific television actress. Kanfer described Lucille as “a 68-inch actress, not a 68-foot actress.” Though she was extremely popular on television, she was never able to find success in the movies. She was such a natural in front of the cameras that she was expected to do well. Though she tried to make the transition to the big screen, she was at her best in the intimacy of the small screen. No matter how hard she tried, she could not learn how to be good in the movies; some things just can’t be learned.
Faith can’t be learned. It is impossible for us to believe in Jesus if there is nothing outside ourselves calling us to that relationship. It is by God’s grace that we know his love and pass on the wonderful message of the Gospel. As we share the message of Christ with others, the Holy Spirit has the power create and build a relationship of faith with our neighbors as well.
God knew from the beginning of time the things that would occur in and through his people. He was planning for our salvation even before we were born. When the time was right, Christ broke through into this world to reveal something new. God reached out beyond the Israelites and revealed the promise to all people. Israel will always have a special place in his heart, but they were blessed to be a blessing to the rest of the world. They were blessed to reveal God’s salvation to all. 
In the Epiphany story we see the full revelation of Christ to the world. The gifts of the magi are signs of his purpose. He came to be priest to all, to die for all, and to rule eternally as King over all. Frankincense is the sign of the priest, myrrh anoints the dead, and gold is a tribute to the power and authority of a king. The magi studied the prophecies, but it wasn’t until they were called by the light of the star above themselves that they could follow in faith to offer their gifts. The promises and prophecies of God’s Messiah were revealed even to the Gentiles and fulfilled in the life of the baby Jesus. And so it is for you as well!
Feast of Epiphany – January 6, 2026
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” 
- Ephesians 3:6 –
In the book “Balls of Fire,” Stefan Kanfer tells the story of Lucille Ball, the beautiful and prolific television actress. Kanfer described Lucille as “a 68-inch actress, not a 68-foot actress.” Though she was extremely popular on television, she was never able to find success in the movies. She was such a natural in front of the cameras that she was expected to do well. Though she tried to make the transition to the big screen, she was at her best in the intimacy of the small screen. No matter how hard she tried, she could not learn how to be good in the movies; some things just can’t be learned.
Faith can’t be learned. It is impossible for us to believe in Jesus if there is nothing outside ourselves calling us to that relationship. It is by God’s grace that we know his love and pass on the wonderful message of the Gospel. As we share the message of Christ with others, the Holy Spirit has the power create and build a relationship of faith with our neighbors as well.
God knew from the beginning of time the things that would occur in and through his people. He was planning for our salvation even before we were born. When the time was right, Christ broke through into this world to reveal something new. God reached out beyond the Israelites and revealed the promise to all people. Israel will always have a special place in his heart, but they were blessed to be a blessing to the rest of the world. They were blessed to reveal God’s salvation to all. 
In the Epiphany story we see the full revelation of Christ to the world. The gifts of the magi are signs of his purpose. He came to be priest to all, to die for all, and to rule eternally as King over all. Frankincense is the sign of the priest, myrrh anoints the dead, and gold is a tribute to the power and authority of a king. The magi studied the prophecies, but it wasn’t until they were called by the light of the star above themselves that they could follow in faith to offer their gifts. The promises and prophecies of God’s Messiah were revealed even to the Gentiles and fulfilled in the life of the baby Jesus. And so it is for you as well!