“The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:1-10). We desire to follow the Lord in everything we do (Psalm 19), proclaiming freedom (Luke 4:14-21) with the knowledge that we are a small but important part of something greater than ourselves (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).” – Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
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Working Miracles and Giving Gifts
“God rejoices and delights in us (Isaiah 62:1-5); his steadfast love offers us refuge in the shadow of his wings (Psalm 36:5-10). Christ showed his power while on earth, working many signs and miracles, including one at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1-11). God gives each of us spiritual gifts to use in his service (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).” – Thomas Oden
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Waters of Mercy
“Because the Lord loves us and knows us by name, we need not be worried or fearful (Isaiah 43:1-7). God is all-powerful and blesses us with strength and peace (Psalm 29) and with the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Through Christ’s baptism (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22) we can better understand the plan God has for our own salvation.” – Thomas Oden
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“The night sky was still dim and pale. There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty forever beyond its reach.”
-J.R.R. Tolkien in The Return of the King
During Epiphany, we remember the coming of the wise men from the east to honor the Savior’s birth (Matthew 2:1-12). As the prophets foretold, Christ, the light of the world, has penetrated the darkness (Isaiah 60:1-6), bringing justice and peace (Psalm 72). Because of God’s grace and Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, we are offered salvation from sin (Ephesians 3:1-12).” – Thomas Oden
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God Knows Us
“O Lord, you knew me before I was born! Nothing I do escapes your notice (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18). Here am I, Lord. I am listening for your voice (1 Samuel 3:1-20). Jesus told his disciples, “You will see greater things than these” (John 1:43-51). Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, so we should shun sin (1 Cor.6:12-20).” – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
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