Transfiguration Sunday marks the end of Epiphany. Next week we begin our Lenten Journey with Jesus toward the Cross. It seems fitting that Jesus would leave the disciples a memory or reassurance as they begin this difficult road because we humans are indeed quick to forget. We have these vivid memories of God's presence too and if we let them, they can reassure us when all seems lost.

Following Jesus's Beatitudes in Matthew, we get this text where Jesus calls the crowd the "Salt of the Earth" and the "Light of the World". Which is a good thing; they are a blessing! Salt and light are what they are because of their attributes. Salt is... Salty... Light is Bright... Similarly, the people gathered around Jesus are a blessing just because of who they are. The trick is letting those authentic gifts and attributes shine through and not letting all the extra stuff get in the way.

When Jesus comes to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near, he is also declaring the end of the Kingdom of Herod, the Kingdom of Rome, and the kingdom of violence, hate, suffering. In the midst of the cruel and evil actions of federal ICE agents in Minnesota this weekend, it is important to remember. Herod's power is shallow. It does not hold us.

In a world that feels like all hell is breaking loose, Jesus invites us to come and see where peace and love prevail. When we come and see, we encounter a Christ that has not abandoned us and are in turn invited to live our lives in a way that reveals Christ in our most dire circumstances to others.

Pastor Asher Vincent joins us today to share about baptism and its guiding promise in the midst of our chaotic and troubling world. Like a lighthouse on the shore guiding ships to safe harbor, our baptism and its promises guide us to love our neighbors and to know God's loving care for us. Even when the light of God feels fogged over and less bright, it remains for us. It does not run away.

On this first Sunday of Epiphany, we see the Wise Magi from far away bringing gifts and following a star to find baby Jesus, the new King of the Jews. With all of their unique qualities and different cultural practices, the magi exemplify great wisdom, leadership, honesty, and power that is a far better example than the leadership shown by Herod. They use their power to point to Jesus and their story asks us to follow their path away from the halls of power.

In this first Sunday of Christmas we encounter a Jesus who is forced to flee. Joseph and Mary, hearing of Herod's murderous plot from an angel, become refugees. They seek Asylum in a foreign place away from their customs and family. They depend on the hospitality of others. It is so important for us to hear stories like this in the Bible because they teach us the power of relationship and vulnerability that God uses and asks us to use, and always paint the power of cruelty and violence as against God. This is a powerful Christmas reminder.

This Christmas Eve as we remember the nativity story, we also remember that God remains. The birth of Christ long ago also means that heaven and God's own self has touched our world. Because of this, Creation, our relationships, and everything we know is sacred and holy. Our God does not stay far off, but comes to stay with us even now. Merry Christmas, Alleluia.