by Rev. Eric Folkerth

My spirit tells me that we’re in for a few weeks of PTSD-like feelings…starting with today.

Today is the one year anniversary of the January 6th insurrection.
A month from now will be the one-year anniversary of “Snowmageddon.”
And, of course, our present-day is filled with the fear of exploding COVID numbers and holiday plans that were thrown off course.

I want you to know that should you feel overwhelmed in these days, please do call or reach out. We are available any time to talk if you need an ear.

For two millennia, Christians have celebrated today —January 6th— as Epiphany. January 6th is ALWAYS the “Feast of the Epiphany.”

As I think about the COVID situation, it strikes me that, as it was for the Magi, wisdom is always the hardest thing to find.

For now, our plan at KPUMC is to continue with our in-person/livestream plans.

But, let me reiterate what we’ve said over and over:

If you’re at all concerned about COVID spread, please DO stay home and watch the livestream.
If you’re unvaccinated, please do not come. (And please get vaccinated, if eligible…)
We will continue to wear masks.
We will continue to socially distance.

My sense is that our community has consistently shown the wisdom of the Magi.

You’ve worn your masks, you’ve gotten vaccinated, and you’ve stayed home when you feel that to be wise.

We’ll keep watching things here for sure.

Of course, today is not just the anniversary of the Epiphany -
it’s also the anniversary of an insurrection against the United States.

And as often happens, we find the stories of our faith to be manifest in the stories of our culture.

The original Epiphany story included King Herod, who….

— was desperate to cling to power…
— “stirred up” his entire city of Jerusalem…
— bald-faced lied to his guests about his culpability…
— and finally, saw nothing wrong with flying into a murderous rage when he didn’t get his way.

Sobering to think about it in these terms, huh?

The Magi were wise enough to not return to Herod and to not associate with those who did.

I am confident that the Magi did not ever forget their close encounter with the murderous and conniving King Herod. But, it also appears that they moved on and “went home by another way.”

Therefore, I urge you to not get drawn into endlessly watching the January 6th “disaster porn” on your television today.

Instead, take a breather from the anxiety that video of the day can cause. (That’s HOW we end up with feelings of PTSD…)

Like the Magi, focus on the Christmas Star.

Our ultimate hope is never in the powers of this world, even as we hope and work for them to be as moral as can be, and never forget or dismiss the seriousness of the insurrection.

Our ultimate hope is in the stories of our faith which still speak to us deeply wise truths about following the true light of God into the year 2022.

Choose to look to our faith, not our culture, and trust that God is leading us…as God also led those Magi…toward a bright and loving future.

Grace and Peace,

Eric Folkerth

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