Ecuador Epiphany

So, they came from the east. From great distances. They came from Iraq and Iran. Afghanistan? They took their cue from nature.  A star was their first guide.

They were clearly motivated by something deep within them – a great motivation. 

For what does it take leave your own kingdom, your own responsibilities, your own 9 to 5…. Give all that up, and begin a great pilgrimage to a foreign land bringing expensive gifts to a new born?

Epiphany.

a. A sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something.

b. A comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization:

from Greek epiphaneia, manifestation

On Jan 6^th of each year, the Christian calendar marks as Epiphany to remember this historic trip of the Magi – some 2 years after Jesus’ birth. This January we once again celebrate the Epiphany of our radical  savior who was born into poverty in order that we might all be set free - and for peace to come upon our earth.  As so many places around our world - especially the very same lands from which the Magi first came - are embroiled now in war, we set our hearts to prayer again.  We ask in this new year and decade of 2010 that the Prince of Peace would again be realized, and that we would each get in our hearts the true essence of his coming.  In this new year, may we look to nature for signs of the Spirit, and may we response to the call to bring the gifts we have each been given and use them to help set others free - to help bring more peace on earth. 

I covet your prayers as I am leading a group of Harvard & Yale students to Ecuador on January 4 for a week-long travel seminar Re-thinking Mission, Sustainability and Globalization.  I will indeed bring greetings on behalf of Watershed & FPCW, and look forward to sharing with you all the experiences we will have in Ecuador.  We will be there over Epiphany - so in prayers for peace and gift-bearing from our varied spots on this planet, we will be in communion.  peace on earth, Rob