Sunday, January 9
Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
—Mark 1:14b-15
The First Sunday after the Epiphany
The word “Gospel” means Good News. We are the recipients of the good news that God has come to earth to love us. In this season of Epiphany, we receive the light of Him who goes out into the world—not to make a profit, not to win a war, not for His own benefit—He, the Christ, goes out into the world, out to us.
What is the good news about that? It is the gifts He brings. The gift of love. God in Christ loves me, loves you. Not as the world loves. Not even as our family loves. ChristGod loves you without condition and without limit. When you are at your lowest, when you feel totally unlovable, ChristGod values and adores you as His beloved child.
More Good News: the gift of guidance. We need a steadying hand and the aid of wisdom as we travel the road of our life. The longer we live, the more complicated life can get. With Christ to turn to in prayer, we can receive the wisdom and reassurance needed. “Listening prayer” will bring us the gift of that inner voice that is God guiding us.
And more Good News: the gift of peace. The peace “that passes all human understanding” can only come from God. It comes when we open our heart to Him on a regular basis through times of quiet in which we invite God into our presence.
Peace comes not only from knowing that He is there and that we are precious to Him. Peace comes from knowing that there is nothing that can separate us from Him—not even death. The promise of eternal life, if received in faith, brings that peace which passes all understanding.
We have been blessed forever—by the Good News of God in Christ.
We give you thanks, O Lord, for your many gifts—especially the gift of eternal life. Amen.
These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2007.
