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Midweek Blast of Epiphany Light
December 23, 2015
The Exclusivity of Christianity
Is Jesus for everyone? In the stories of Jesus' birth we get the sense that Jesus very much is for everyone. In the gospel of Matthew we read the story of the Magi (aka: Three Kings, Wisemen) who travel to worship this newborn King. If you don't know much about the Magi, they were foreigners most likely traveling from Persia (modern day Iran). They looked different, they dressed different, they spoke a different language, and they practiced a different religion.  Yet Jesus was for them.  
 
In the gospel of Luke the inclusivity extends to shepherds. Now forget for a minute the Christmas pageant you were in as a kid or the church play your kids were recently a part of.  It would be difficult to be in an enclosed space with a shepherd of biblical times. They lived outside with animals, rarely bathed, had no change of clothes, and were considered some of the lowliest people of the day. There wouldn't be enough Febreze to help you forget that they are there. Yet Jesus was for them too.
 
Is Jesus for everyone?  I have heard it said that Sunday morning is the most divided, most segregated hour of the week.  Is Jesus for everyone?  Would you be OK with foreigners from the Middle East joining you for your Christmas Eve church service?  Is Jesus for them?  Would you see a child of God, or would you fear a possible terrorist attack?  Is Jesus for them?  Would you be OK sharing a pew with a low-level, impoverished individual who might be coming to worship after they worked the second shift and didn't have time to go home, shower, and change their clothes?  Is Jesus for them too?  Would you welcome them, or would you judge them for not being like you?  

Is Jesus for everyone? In the bible it seems like he is; today, I am not as sure. What has led to this exclusivity of Christianity?  If Jesus were here today, would he align himself with Christianity? Jesus was born Jewish, he lived Jewish, and his faith was Jewish, but I am not sure Jesus would rush to join the nearest Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, or Non-Denominational Church. 
Jesus is bigger than Christianity.  Will we let him be?  

Over the course of history Christianity has gone through numerous reformations that, I believe, helped the church be more like what Jesus intended.  Does the church need one of these reformations today? If Christians believe that Jesus isn't for everyone, we are in desperate need of a reformation.  When the Magi and the shepherds came to visit Jesus, they didn't fill out a visitor card, attend a class before they could take communion, or accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior; they just showed up. There was something magical about that moment, about this birth. Something otherworldly that transcended all races, religions, and borders. Simply put, this was a powerful moment that everyone wanted to be a part of.  Can we reclaim that?  If that is what Jesus is all about, then this is what Christianity needs to be about. If you don't think that Jesus is for everyone, then I don't think you know Jesus.  
 
This Christmas Eve may we, the church, reclaim the power of this gift, that Jesus is for everyone.  May we reclaim this moment that overcame divisions. May the power of this moment propel us into the future so that we can be a better church, a church that better reflects Jesus.  Jesus is for everyone. 
 
See you in church,
 
Chris 

Wednesdays at the Well does not meet tonight! Join us again on January 6th!
Wednesdays at the Well icon
Wednesdays at the Well is our midweek service which begins with a community meal at 6. Suggested freewill offering is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.
Imagine Children's Choir at 6:25 welcomes all kids pre-K through 5th grade.
Worship at 7. Beginning on January 6, Pastor Chris will lead us in a 30-minute worship service focusing on the book of Ecclesiastes. 
Christmas Services at Epiphany
 
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
We will celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve during 3 services: 5:00, 7:00, and 11:00 pm candlelight service. Join us again on Christmas Day at 10:00 am for carols and Holy Communion.

If you have donated a poinsettia, you may take it home with you after the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

Bring your family and friends!
 
Sunday School on December 27
Sunday school for all ages at 9:45.
Just a reminder that we WILL have Sunday School (SPARK and The Wired Word, as well as middle school and high school) this week even though school is out of session!
 
Volunteer in Sunday School!
The formation team is looking for people interested in volunteering in Sunday School next semester beginning January 3, for ages Pre-K through 5th grade. If you'd like to help, email formationteam@epiphanysuwanee.org, or click on the link to Volunteer Spot:  http://vols.pt/WfzQEX
 
Small Groups
Evans small group serving dinner at Rainbow Village
Are you looking for a small group?
A place where you can connect, learn, grow, and service with others? A place to build relationships that matter? We are planning on starting a number of new small groups and would like for you to be a part of one. We believe life was meant to be shared with others! To sign up, email pastorchris@epiphanysuwanee.org.
 
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Suwanee, GA  30024
770-831-1966