The story of Epiphany has an important message for us today.

Just as God “dwelled among” the Israelites by means of the tabernacle, so now in a far greater way God dwells among us in Christ (John 1:14). Jesus is the new temple – the point where we experience and connect with God. This does not eliminate the need for church! (contrary to what some would

The first place Jesus goes (taken by his parents) after his birth is to church! They go to the temple to fulfill the sacrificial requirements of the Old Testament law. There they are met by Simeon and Anna, who have been in the temple awaiting what God would do. It is in the context of worship

God dominates our lives like a majestic mountain. As we are drawn to the mountain, we are even more drawn to God. It is this God who sends us Jesus Christ, the ultimate source for peace within, as well as amongst us.

Thanksgiving! Psalm 100 says to “enter God’s gates with thanksgiving,” and numerous Psalms are an expression of thanks to God. Psalm 65 is a thanksgiving psalm, depicting the joy of coming into God’s temple with an appreciation for God’s blessings. Colossians likewise urges us to “be thankful.”

Psalm 100 says to come into God’s presence with singing. Biblical worship has always included song. Music in worship is not for entertainment, but is a profound form of expressing our praise and glorifying God. Significantly, the book of Revelation repeatedly depicts scenes of heavenly beings