As I write I am also contemplating taking down my Christmas tree, and putting away the Nativity Scene and all of the trappings of Christmas. I know that, officially, the Christmas season concluded after Epiphany but we had a lovely Christmas and I am still savouring the moment, a little reluctant to move on and face the reality of 2013.

There is a strong part of me longing to stay with the babe in the manager, the angels, shepherds and wise men… contemplating the wonder of God with us!

But this Sunday we are suddenly swept forward some 30 years! The babe is now a man, about to embark on the mission of his life! Zap! Just like the snap of our fingers, childhood, childlike innocence and simple wonder are all gone! In their place, the sorrowful realisation of flawed humanity and the pressing call to active, painful, intervention!

Life is like that! Childhood… Zap! Leaving  school with the world your oyster… Zap! Love and Marriage… Zap! Children… Zap! Children grown… Zap! It is really so very important to slow down and savour each moment instead of rushing headlong into the next. The future comes soon enough on its own.

For Jesus, this moment of recognition (this new Epiphany) and true communion with God, revealed in word and the presence of the dove, is worthy of contemplation, or savouring. This is a moment of promise which will surely give strength, courage and reassurance for the days ahead…

We also have such moments of clarity and realisation of the presence of God… and a need to slow down to savour them lest they slip away … Zap! Lost to our consciousness! When we take time to ponder the wonder of the presence of God in our lives, in creation, in our friendships and loves… we allow the power of God to be manifest in our lives. We create deep and abiding  memories to which we can return in moments of fear, disappointment and doubt.

May God be clearly present in your life this week, and may you find time to contemplate and savour Gods presence!

Many Blessings

Rev Shan.