A WORD FOR TODAY 3 JANUARY 2021

A WORD FOR TODAY 3 JANUARY 2021


 

A WORD FOR TODAY

ARISE AND SHINE FOR CHRIST OUR LIGHT HAS COME

_"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."(Matthew 2:10-11)_

_*Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ. The word Epiphany is from the Greek word Epiphaneia which simply means manifestation. The feast celebrates of the manifestation of Christ to the wise men who came from the East representing the Gentile world. They adored the new born king and gave Him the best gifts they could find symbolising what the child will be, a king, a priest and the one who will die on the cross for the salvation of the world.*_

_The birth of Christ we celebrate at Christmas is something that brought joy to the world. The world was in darkness until Christ the light of the world came and He moved us from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light where we will not be bound by the forces of evil anymore._

_*The prophet Isaiah speaks word of hope to the people of Israel. He tells them to Arise and shine for their light has come. That prophecy about Jerusalem will come to be fulfilled in Christ who will come into the world to bring us the light that will change our lives forever. He is the light of the world and anyone who follows Him will not walk in darkness.(John 8:12)*_

_God has given us a gift of Himself through His Son our Lord Jesus Christ and He came into the world to be the light that will guide us. We must obey Him and follow His lead and He will lead us to our place of rest and joy. The best gift we can give to Him is the gift of our hearts, total submission of our will to His own will._

_*Jesus is our star and our light that will lead us in this new year. Rise up from where you are and follow Him. Do not waste anytime. Give Him your hand, let Him hold you firmly and you will never fall. Do not walk alone, let Him walk with you and you will arrive your destination. When you are with God, no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper. Herod tried to kill Jesus, but he could not succeed because God was with Him. Herod's heart was full of pride, hatred and hostility and that brought his downfall. He had no love in his heart for another person and was selfishly arrogant.*_

_Arise and shine for your light has come. Do not be in darkness anymore, accept His light and let it inundate your life and everything you will do in this new year._

_*The gift of gold was presented to Jesus because He is a king. Therefore, submit your heart to Him and let Him be your king truly.*_

_The gift of frankincense was given to Him because He is a priest. Incense was used for temple worship and sacrifices. Jesus as the priest is the bridge builder between God and men. He brings God to men and takes men to God. We must see Jesus in our priests and continue to support them in the work of bringing people to God._

_*The gift of myrrh was presented to Him because He is going to die for the salvation of the world. Myrrh is used to embalm bodies of the dead. Jesus will lay down His life for us and we are expected to learn from Him and also lay down our lives for the good of others.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a splendid Sunday. May Jesus lead you this year and may things fall into favourable places for you. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Isaiah 60:1-6/Psalm 72:1-2,7-13/Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6/Matthew 2:1-12

*Watch-Word:* All nations of the earth shall prostrate before you, O Lord.

*Be humble and submit to Jesus and He will lead you and bring you to the place where you will reign with Him.*

(Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Sunday 3rd January 2021. Year B)