In this sermon, Madeline Polhill reflects on the biblical story of the magi, who followed a star to find and pay homage to the Christ Child. The tale involves themes of wonder, anxiety, and joy, highlighting the magi's journey from the East and their unexpected arrival in Bethlehem. By understanding the signs from God and allowing themselves to be guided by divine light, the magi exemplify faith and surrender. Madeline encourages us to heed God's signs in our own lives, embracing the journey towards encountering the divine, much like the magi did. The sermon concludes with a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer for Epiphany, invoking guidance and faith as we move into the new year.

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction

00:19 The Story of the Magi

01:22 Journey to Jerusalem

01:50 Encounter with King Herod

02:26 Arrival in Bethlehem

03:47 Significance of the Magi

06:39 The Magi's Understanding and Worship

08:18 Lessons from the Magi's Journey

10:01 Closing Prayer and Reflection

Mother Paige delivers a sermon reflecting on the prologue to John's Gospel, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's love through the incarnation. She recaps previous sermons on the origins of Jesus as depicted by different gospel writers and delves into the profound understanding that God's intention is to be in relationship with humanity. Highlighting the enduring light of Jesus that shines in darkness, Paige urges the congregation to let this divine reality transform how they live and perceive others, especially during the Christmas season. She challenges listeners to embody this understanding and apply it to their daily interactions and self-awareness.

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction

00:11 Reflecting on John's Gospel Prologue

01:07 Recap of Previous Sermons

02:05 The Eternal and Incarnate Word

04:09 God's Desire for Relationship

06:12 Paul's Frustration with the Galatians

07:14 Living Out God's Love

08:19 The Inclusive Light of Christ

In this Christmas sermon, Mother Paige discusses the significance of Christmas morning, emphasizing the sense of relief and joy symbolized by the birds' songs after a storm. She reflects on the different Gospel writers' perspectives on Jesus' origin story, with a focus on John’s profound prologue that links Jesus to the very beginning of creation. Mother Paige underscores the message of hope and enduring light brought by Jesus' birth, reminding us that God's love and presence have always been with us, no matter the world's darkness. She encourages everyone to let the light of Christ shine through them, spreading love and transforming the world, well beyond the twelve days of Christmas.

00:00 Opening Prayer and Welcome

00:16 Morning Reflections and Birdsong

01:06 Gospel Writers and Jesus' Origin Story

01:57 John's Unique Perspective

03:17 The Eternal Nature of Jesus

04:55 The Light Shines in the Darkness

07:35 Living the Christmas Message

09:12 Final Blessings and Merry Christmas