The other day, Douglas, his Mom and Dad, who were in town visiting from Colorado and I, went to the movies and took in the show "Lincoln." A stirring and powerful movie, to say the least. Truthfully, the movie gave me a whole new appreciation for the man, President Abraham Lincoln. Certainly, like all American children, were we taught and rightly so, that Lincoln was one of the greatest of all American leaders, perhaps, in fact, the greatest. As the Civil War raged on, Lincoln fought feverishly to hem together the country that had been torn apart. This task alone would prove herculean. However, Lincoln was also battling his foes who desired to retain slavery in the States. Lincoln was rather adamant in vocalizing his stern objection to slavery. He was unwavering in his belief that all men truly are created equal.

In Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, given on that November day in 1863 the president dedicated the Soldiers' National Cemetery. This speech came nearly four months after the Union Army of the North had defeated the Confederate Army of the South in Gettysburg.   This speech, albeit brief in length, perhaps two minutes at the most, carried amazing weight and importance.  In essence, Lincoln emphasized what the Declaration of Independence had already claimed: that truly, all men are created equal.

However, the truth be told, Lincoln borrowed this statement, this belief, this mandate from his predecessors in American politics, those who helped pen the Declaration of Independence, namely, Thomas Jefferson. Of course, the scribes of this American document also helped themselves and their cause by using material that had been handed down to them from an earlier time. This belief, this human mandate with Divine overtones, came from one far greater and much loftier then those American statesmen and greater than President Lincoln. These fore-bearers of ours spoke what Jesus the Messiah had preached and practiced. Perhaps the words may have been different.   Yet, Jesus' message was just that: all God's children are created equal, for we are all sisters and brothers to Jesus, the Christ. We all share in God's gifts equally; without prejudice, without exception.

This weekend, the Church celebrates the great feast of the Epiphany; the 3 Wise Men of the East who traveled great lengths at considerable risk, to pay homage to Jesus the Christ Child. They brought gifts to the new, born king. They showed respect to one who was greater than they.

We have welcomed a new year, 2013. As we turn the calendar forward, it is my hope, day by day, we all gain an even greater knowledge and appreciation for all our sisters and brothers; that we all show even greater patience, understanding and acceptance of all God's children; that in our day to day encounters, we live what Abraham Lincoln spoke, what Thomas Jefferson spoke and what Jesus spoke and exemplified through his life and death...that all are created equal.

From my heart to yours, from my home to yours...Happy New Year to my community of St. Nicholas, my dear friends and extended family. May we all experience equality, fairness, peace of mind and calmness of heart, prosperity in faith and abundance of love, hope and joy. And may we all encounter God's full grace and God's Spirit, and, in turn, take all we have received, as gift, and share with others.

manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org 

Bishop James Allan, our Nancy Allan's relation: he has taken a turn for the worse and his health is in rapid decline; pray for his peace and comfort and strength and acceptance for his family. 

Shirley Martinez, a friend of our Scott Cummings: she is battling cancer; pray for her health and well being.   

Linda Buzard, choral director of St. John the Divine in Urbana and a friend of Bob DeHaven, is battling breast cancer: pray for full recovery and sound health.

Marcia Kizior, sister of Bob DeHaven, who is in poor health.

Pamela Joy DeHaven, in thanksgiving for recovery and continued remission.   

Hope Smith, whose cancer has reappeared: for strength, peace and guidance.

For those in transition: those searching for work, those who are moving and those encountering changes in life.

 
Click here for the readings appointed for Saturday, January 5 / Sunday, January 6 

Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Psalm 72:1-7,10-14