Welcome Jessica Wietzke

A Note From Jessica . . . .

January 2009

Greetings in Christ!

One my mother’s favorite words is epiphany. It is the Greek word meaning “to manifest” or “to show” or “to reveal”. She likes how the word sounds melodious and expressive. Since she taught literature, the word often came up as different characters in various literary works experienced epiphanies or revelations, which were important keys for understanding the theme or message of the work.

The term also has great significance in the Christian faith. 12 days of Christmas after Dec 25th takes us to January 6th, the day we celebrate as Epiphany. In most Western churches, it commemorates the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.

Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night” explores the themes of mistaken genders and identities. The 2006 film She's the Man tells the story as a contemporary teen comedy. Shakespeare in Love also contains several references to “Twelfth Night”.

Famous writers and theologians throughout the centuries have also experienced epiphanies. And we as believers in Jesus Christ can also experience epiphanies in ordinary, everyday life as God’s word and mystery unfold. Because Jesus, who was revealed over 2,000 years ago, continues to reveal Himself to us. That is why we’re on this journey together of learning, growing, and transforming. Epiphany is an evocative word. What does it evoke for you?

Working together towards transformation in Christ,

Jessica