Greetings in Jesus’ name!

This coming Sunday is the last in the season after the Epiphany, which means the season of Lent is just around the corner. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. We will send out a pre-recorded service via email and you can read our in-person worship schedule HERE.

Now, since it is the last Sunday before Lent, it means the appointed Gospel reading is about the Transfiguration of Jesus – Mark 9:2-9. In this passage, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain and they see him transfigured in glory. Once again, like at his baptism, they also hear the heavenly voice say, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” It was an awesome, mountaintop experience!

But, like all mountaintop experiences, they come to an end. The passage concludes with them “coming down the mountain.” The season after the Epiphany (the revealing of Jesus) began with his baptism. Jesus was then revealed to his disciples and finally to the crowds through his amazing healings and teaching. Now, we conclude with the most profound revelation thus far – Jesus transfigured in his heavenly glory.

However, we can’t stay in this season of revelation glory. We too must go down the mountain with Jesus because his story is not one simply of mountaintop experiences. Certainly, we will celebrate again, but first we must go down into the season of Lent where we walk with Jesus on his journey to the cross.

I look forward to our worship this Sunday. Stay warm and keep your eyes on Jesus!

Blessings,
Patrick