by Kathy Whited
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
–Hebrews 12:1-2
This twelfth day of Christmas – the last day of the Christmas season and the eve of Epiphany – is traditionally known as Twelfth Night. With this transition, we have two reasons for celebration: the end of Christmas and the beginning of Epiphany. Within the past week, we celebrated another transition: the end of one year and the beginning of the next. The New Year brings resolutions and fresh starts. Similarly, the Magi experienced new beginnings. Upon meeting and acknowledging the Christ Child, the Magi fell in reverent worship. They realized that they met the Savior, and they obeyed the directive to return home a different route. Essentially, they began a new race.
What exactly is the race? The race is not for salvation. We already have it. We cannot earn salvation through good works, but Paul explains that we are saved by grace, through faith, for good works as intended by God to be our way of life (Ephesians 2:8-10). Salvation redefines the race, just like meeting Jesus did for the Magi. “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:17). The race or path is not only our faith, but also our works. We respond to God’s grace in service to others out of gratitude, and God has even equipped us each with talents to accomplish good works.
It is never too late to change course and respond to God by living a life of service. Today’s verse encourages us to lay aside our sins and burdens, and frankly, it is exhausting to deal with what weighs us down all by ourselves. So, we turn these worries, bad habits and troubles over to God, and we also rely on our witnesses. Those who have gone before us and our community of faith surrounds us to listen, support, cheer and encourage as we cast aside encumbrances and free ourselves to be better servants. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, our guiding light, we remain focused and persistent instead of wandering aimlessly and meandering without purpose.
Today’s the day. Turn over a new leaf. Start fresh.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today and for the gift of Your Son, for through HIM we receive the gift of salvation. Thank You for giving us tools to perform good works as you intended for us. Please help us to lighten our burdens, so that we keep our eyes focused on You. Help us to see that every conversation and action is part of our good works. Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today and for the gift of Your Son, for through HIM we receive the gift of salvation. Thank You for giving us tools to perform good works as you intended for us. Please help us to lighten our burdens, so that we keep our eyes focused on You. Help us to see that every conversation and action is part of our good works. Amen.