We are celebrating Epiphany on the Sunday before the official holy day this year, and it just happens to also fall on the very first day of a new year as well as a Sunday where we receive holy communion. How beautiful and hopeful! This Sunday each year, we examine the story of the “magi” who visit Jesus; wise and generous strangers from other cultures (and likely other religions) who somehow understand the Christmas story better than the rest of the world, at least early on. But still—ARE we as open as these magi to following new paths? New stars? What guides our journeys and where do we seek our light? Perhaps this new year is a new chance for a fresh relationship with God and each other! Christmas is a season, friends, and its life-changing story of Incarnation still has gifts to give us.