January 2014 – A Seminarian’s Letters Home

To the membership of Circle of Faith Parish:

Greetings to you all from Evanston, IL, and a happy 2014 to everybody! Christmas is over now, and on January 6, the day we call Epiphany, we begin another journey, like the Magi whom the star led to Jesus. Early Christians recognized this as the time of year when the light in the northern hemisphere is lengthening, as the days are getting longer. So, the season of Epiphany became a time of looking for the light of Christ, and following that light to the mountain of the transfiguration. From there, we will descend with Christ on the trail toward Jerusalem, the way of the cross. But until then, we celebrate that the Light from on high has come down to dwell with us.

It was one year ago on January 7 that Circle of Faith Parish officially began to function as a joint parish. We have come so far since then, led by the grace of God. Two wonderful pastors have joined us, new projects and tasks have begun, and great things are unfolding. We don’t know where the Light will lead us as our future together continues to unfold, but we do know who the Light is, and the promises we have been given. For the Light that has come among us and hallowed our world in the darkness of winter, the Light that has brought us together and continues to lead us forward, the Light that will never leave us in shadow, thanks be to God.

As we follow Christ our Light toward the holy mountain and the road back to cross and Easter, let us pray for God’s blessing, using these words:

O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [ELW, The Epiphany of our Lord]

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.