Tag: Epiphany

Pastor’s Notes 1-9-2026

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
–Matthew 2:13

This Sunday we will do something a little different as we linger with all of Matthew chapter 2 and not just the familiar visit of the Magi. Our readers will cover the fuller, harder, and more honest story that follows. Through scripture and hymnody, we will trace the light of Epiphany as it shines not only in wonder, but also in fear, courage, and faithful response.

Matthew tells us that the Magi perceive what others cannot: a sign of God’s new work breaking into the world. Their openness and wisdom stand in stark contrast to King Herod, whose reign was marked by insecurity, paranoia, and violence. History remembers Herod as a ruler deeply fearful of losing power, and Matthew shows how that fear erupts into rage when confronted with the promise of a new kind of king.

Into this danger, God speaks to the heart, guiding the Magi home by another way, and urging Joseph to act quickly and decisively in a dream. Matthew 2 reminds us that the Holy Family themselves were refugees, fleeing violence in order to protect life. Faith here is not passive; it is responsive, courageous, and grounded in trust that God is present even on uncertain roads.

Our hymns will help us carry this story, even its beauty and its sorrow. The words of scripture and song invites us to reflect on how God still leads, warns, and protects, and how we too are called to move when light breaks into shadow.

I will be away for a week of vacation but if you need anything please let the church office or our elders know. Many blessings!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 1/2/2026

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
–Matthew 2:11,23

As the Christmas season continues, we journey together toward Epiphany Sunday, a day that celebrates revelation, discovery, and light for all people.

This week’s scripture, Matthew 2:1–12, tells the story of the Magi who follow a star across great distance, trusting that its light will lead them to something holy. The star becomes our guiding symbol as it is a reminder that God’s light is not hidden, but given to be followed, even when the road is uncertain.

Our theme, “A Great Epiphany,” invites us to reflect on how God still reveals truth and grace in unexpected ways and unexpected places. In worship, our hearts will gather  beneath that same guiding light, calling us to rise, to seek, and to rejoice in the presence of Christ revealed to the world.

We will continue to think about what fills us will joy and resolve to let that pursuit drives us forward in the year ahead, much like the Magi seeking the truth they find in the Christ child.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube as we lift our eyes, follow the star, and celebrate the widening circle of God’s love.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: 1/3/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, mag from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.”  Matthew 2:1-2

Happy New Year! As we turn the calendar to 2025, we look forward to walking together into a new season of life and faith. This Sunday, January 5th, we gather for Epiphany Sunday, a time to celebrate the journey of the magi and the revealing of Christ to the world. Our theme is “The Road Isn’t Straight,” and we’ll reflect on how, like the magi, we face choices and make them together as we pursue Christ and follow the light into the darkness.

Our scripture readings, Matthew 2:1-12 and Isaiah 43:16-21, remind us of God’s guidance even when the path is unclear. The magi’s journey was not direct or simple, but it was purposeful and filled with hopeful anticipation. As we step into this new year, we, too, embark on a journey, knowing that while we are far from perfect, in Christ, we can accomplish grace-filled things.

Let’s begin 2025 with open hearts, ready to follow the light wherever it leads us. I look forward to being back with you on Sunday in the sanctuary or on YouTube.

Pastor’s Notes 1/5/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?  – Luke 2:49


“I have an idea.” 

“Here’s a thought.” 

“I wonder.”

I like those sentences. I will drop whatever I am doing and pay full attention every time someone (especially a member of Sun City Christian Church) has an epiphany. This is who we are and what we are called to do: manifest Christ into the world through our ability to love.

The season of Epiphany is about recognizing that Christ has come to the world for all. God’s love is greater than any power or might that humanity could wield, and it is available to all who wish to receive it.

I really wrestled with scripture passage to utilize for Sunday. Do we focus our epiphany energy onto the Magi finding the Christ child and paying him homage? Do we follow the lectionary and celebrate Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist? Both of those scriptures regularly appear this time of year, but I was drawn to another passage, Luke 2:41-52.

As we continue in Luke’s gospel, immediately after Jesus is dedicated in the temple, we find him back in the Temple 12 years later. After having journeyed to celebrate the Passover with his family and community, Mary and Joseph fail to recognize that he is not with them on the return journey.

“Where else would I be?” Jesus responds to his parents. Engaging about deeper questions of faith in the Temple was the obvious answer and the ah-hah moment for us readers as to what the following stories of Jesus’ life would hold in store.

Together we will explore our ideas for how to love fully as those who believe in Jesus. We will begin to give shape to our calling and purpose for loving others with all our mind, body, and Spirit.

As we forge ahead into a new year, we will do so together in worship and in prayer! See you Sunday in the Chapel as we will continue to worship there until further notice.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: 1/6/2023

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

I am so excited about our upcoming worship together this Sunday, January 8th. Rev. Dr. Jay R. Hartley will be with us to share the good news and officially install me as Minister! It will be a true day of celebration as we burst into 2023 together.

The focus scripture for the morning comes from Matthew 2:1-23, the story of the Magi. According to the authors of our Generation to Generation worship material: “the Magi were seekers. They sought wisdom, they sought the divine, they sought fortunes to tell the future. Their seeking leads them to Jesus, the newborn king of another culture and religion. And yet, their seeking is also what protects them from Herod’s deception and harm.

After the Magi go home by another way, Joseph is visited again by an angel in his dream. This time, the angel brings a warning, and like before, Joseph heeds the message. Fleeing from Herod’s massacre, Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus seek refuge in Egypt; they remain there, living as immigrants, until Herod dies.

Like the Magi, may we seek the divine and be willing to journey closer to God. Like the Holy Family, may we seek safety for all families who are under threat. This new year and every year to come, let us keep seeking— wisdom, justice, and a better world.”

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!

Brett