Mrs. Maguire’s algebra class wasn’t cool. It was downright cold! She could not abide attention-drift from any student. To ensure we paid attention, she opened the windows—in the dead of winter.
What saved us were the radiators.
Lined up just below the windows was a row of steam-filled radiators blasting heat into the room. You could still feel the cold air slicing in, but the radiators kept radiating enough heat to offset the worst of it.
Radiators—or “radiants”—draw heat from a central source. Without the right energy coursing through them, they could not radiate the heat needed to offset the cold. If not connected to that central source, those radiators would be just so much cold metal. And absolutely no use whatsoever in mitigating the chill. Those radiants kept us warm that winter in Mrs. Maguire's classroom, but only because they were connected to the source, the generator of all that steam heat.
But radiants give off more than heat.
This week’s scripture from Isaiah 60 is a prophecy of the coming of Jesus, and about kings from the east who will bring him gifts of gold and frankincense. Also, that when He comes His people will be covered and infused with the light of His glory. They will become radiants, and all people will be drawn to that light.
What about us? Are we radiants? Isaiah, says we are to “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” We are to share that light, to radiate that spiritual energy. How does that work? First, like the Magi, those wise kings from the east, we are to come and worship Jesus. Next, we spend time in the presence of God, connecting to the source of true energy. That’s when others will experience God's warmth and glow through us.
That’s when we become radiants.
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PHOTO: Steve Orr
Join DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast group Friday morning at 8:00 at Our Breakfast Place and on Zoom.** An hour of Bible, discussion, laughter, prayer, and food is a great way to start the year!
Blessings,
Steve
**CONTACT ME FOR THE ZOOM LINK
NOTE: Zoom allows you to mute the camera and the microphone if you don’t wish to be seen or heard.
READINGS FOR EPIPHANY AND THE COMING WEEKS
Epiphany (January 6, 2023)
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=12
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Chart of readings for Epiphany through Transfiguration Sunday (1/6 through 02/19/2023):
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/lections.php?year=A&season=Epiphany
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