According to the nativity story the wise men arrived 12 days after Jesus’s birth. That Epiphany is the celebration of the wisemen’s arrival. Of course in the gospel of Matthew 2:1-11, “the wise men came into the house and saw the child with Mary.” That could mean Jesus was not a baby and the fact that King Herod ordered all children two and under be killed may support this belief. Does it matter? It doesn’t to me. His birth and his teachings are what matters.

During advent we lit the candles of hope, joy, peace and love. I’d like to carry that into the new year. I know I always feel a little sad when the holidays end and the gray skies don’t help. I know I’m not alone. The words of advent could be something to embrace as 2025 begins.

I talked with a woman recently who had no hope, couldn’t find joy, had no peace and questioned why anyone would love her. She hated her job, health issues were overwhelming, sleepless nights and feeling unworthy of love filled the conversation. Her hope was in medication and then maybe she could do something about her job and other issues in her life. I felt helpless. I realized all she wanted was a listening ear and all I could do was pray. I say pray is all I could do, but it really is everything! That’s the message of Christmas. Jesus brought us hope, joy, peace and love and taught us to pray and have faith. I want to carry that into the new year. Wishing all of you hope, joy, peace and love and the belief that prayer works.