Carrying The Light

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark

land, light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:3, CEB

Dear EFUMC family,

As we step into a new calendar year, the glow of Advent candles may feel like it’s fading

behind us. Christmas trees come down, routines resume, and the world’s weariness

does not magically disappear on January 1. And yet, the church dares to say that the

light has not gone out. In fact, January invites us to ask a different question: How do we

carry the light of Christ into the year ahead?

The season of Epiphany helps us do just that. The word epiphany comes from the

Greek epiphaneia, meaning "manifestation," "appearance," or "revelation." Epiphany

reminds us that God’s light is not meant to stay hidden within a stable, a sanctuary, or a

specific season. It is revealed—again and again—in the world, in ordinary lives, and

through people like you and me.

On Epiphany Sunday, January 4, you will receive a star word—a single word offered as

a prayerful companion for the year ahead. A star word is not a goal to achieve or a task

to complete, but an invitation to pay attention. Like the star that guided the magi, it may

lead you in surprising directions. I invite you to hold your word gently, listen for it in

prayer, and notice how God might be revealing something new through it in 2026.

The following Sunday, January 11, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, hearing Luke’s

account of Jesus standing in the waters and receiving a powerful affirmation: “You are

my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Before Jesus teaches, heals, or calls

disciples, he is named beloved. This feast reminds us that our baptism comes before

our busyness. We carry Christ’s light not because we have earned it, but because we,

too, are God’s beloved.

In the weeks that follow, Scripture will widen our vision. Isaiah speaks of light breaking

into places of deep darkness and of God’s servant called to bring hope beyond familiar

boundaries. Alongside these readings, we hear Jesus calling ordinary people to become

fishers of people—to live in ways that draw others toward life, healing, and hope.

So how might we carry Christ’s light into the new year?

Perhaps it looks like creating space for prayer and rest in a weary world.

Perhaps it looks like practicing kindness when cynicism feels easier.

Perhaps it looks like paying attention to those who are overlooked, or trusting that your

small acts of faithfulness matter more than you know.

Advent asked us, “How does a weary world rejoice?” Epiphany answers: by letting

Christ’s light be revealed through us—one step, one word, one act of love at a time.

May this new year be a season of holy noticing, deep belonging, and brave light-

bearing.

Con cariño,

Pastor Sarah