Dear Friends in Christ,

We are presently celebrating the Epiphany season in our church year. This particular season emphasizes the reality that God has truly manifested himself among his people. Through his baptism that took place on the banks of the River Jordan, The Lord identified himself with the entire human race.

Throughout his ministry, the Lord would spend his time among the people as he attended to their needs. The Lord met the people’s needs as he preached the Gospel, healed the sick, and performed many other miracles while he was on this earth.

These miracles served to demonstrate that this Jesus of Nazareth was truly the promised Messiah. Speculation abounded with regard to the identity of Jesus. Regrettably, many people considered Him to be a great teacher or a great prophet and nothing more.

Human opinions abound nonetheless the Lord carries the name ‘Emmanuel’ which means ‘God among us.’ The misconceptions of the people do not change the truth of His identity; we are to recognize the divinity of the Lord; He comes to us as the Son of God who dwells among us.

When the very first Epiphany took place, Wise men from the East went to see the Christ Child and worship Him. In addition they brought gifts of incense, gold and myrrh. The coming of these Wise men foreshadowed the mission of Christ that was to extend to all nations.

In this year 2012 the Lord continues to reveal himself to all nations through the proclamation of the Gospel to ever living creature. Accordingly we at Zion destine a certain amount of our offerings to the mission efforts in the area and throughout the globe.

The world can have salvation only through Jesus Christ and the Lord extends his salvation to all people of the world. The mission to the world does present a challenging task. Yet the Lord continues to send his missionaries throughout the world. Empowered by the Holy Spirit they communicate the Gospel truth in many different cultures and languages.

Furthermore the Lord is always present with us in all circumstances. The setbacks and losses in life tend to discourage us and to a certain extent they depress us as well. Nevertheless Jesus’ epiphany continues to strengthen us and we never face these challenges alone.

The Lord never promises that he will remove the difficulties that present themselves in their lives. He does promise however that he will strengthen us for the rough road that lies ahead. The difficulties will be there but the Lord is stronger and mightier than any difficulty that we may face.

Let us rejoice in the Lord’s presence during this Epiphany season as He comes to us through His Word and Sacrament in His worship service. May the Lord bless you abundantly in 2012.

Pastor Conrad

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LWML Choir Practice & Church information Special Thanks & Sunday School Evangelism Committee News School Information