February 2014 – A Seminarian’s Letters Home

To the membership of Circle of Faith Parish:

Greetings to you all from Evanston, IL! As I write this letter, we are getting bombarded with the famous lake effect snow that makes everything cold and wet. It’s a good time of year to stay indoors, out of the biting wind and off the freezing mess on Chicago’s crazy streets. Still, I have to admit that it’s nice to see the days getting a bit longer.

In the weeks after Epiphany, all our Scripture readings and hymns focus on light. Like the Magi, we are following the light of Christ, and letting it lead us to the glorious blaze on the mountaintop we call Transfiguration Sunday. From there, shadows cross it as we wander through the desert of Lent, until it becomes the beautiful dawn of Easter, and the brushfire of Pentecost. In this season, we also give thanks for the freedom Christ gave us in baptism to be light for others, messengers of good news.

From what I hear, that light is shining brightly – last month, we welcomed seventeen new members into our parish. They all came because God drew them to the light that Christ has kindled here. Praise God for that light that has led so many to call Circle of Faith their new spiritual home, and for the light that these new members bring to strengthen our own, calling others to come to the feast. May that light, by the mercy of God, continue to shine brightly, leading people to come and give glory to our Redeemer with us.

Following the light of our Lord in this Epiphanytide, let us pray for God’s blessing, using these words:

Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and before you angels and saints stand in awe. Enlarge our vision to see your power at work in the world, and by your grace make us heralds of your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen. [ELW, Epiphany 5]

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Your fellow member and pilgrim,
Carl P. Rabbe, M.Div.