Come and see! These words beckoned us at Christmas when I was a child. We’d stand at the bedroom end of the hallway, long before it was day, where we could see piles of presents but were unable to make out exactly what we were beholding. Every hour, we’d tiptoe a few steps, doing our best to walk silently past the door of our parents’ room, hoping for a closer look, for the mystery to be revealed. Finally, it would be light enough for us to run in earnest to the living room! Come and see, our mom would call out. And we would set to the business of Christmas morning chaos.

“What are you looking for?” are the first words Jesus says in John’s gospel. I have always found that a helpful way to begin the new year. The reminder that all the things the world has to offer do not quite scratch the itch in my soul. The second words Jesus speaks follow right on – “Come and see.”  Come and see what God is about in the life and work of Jesus.

As we begin the season of Epiphany, I encourage you to bring those two sayings from Jesus with you into your planning and preaching. If you’re needing some clarity around what ministry programs you’re continuing, or starting, or stopping with thoughtfulness and dignity, perhaps asking those two questions will frame your reflection. Is this something that answers the soul’s itch of what we are looking for? If we invite people to come and see, will they actually see something of God’s grace?

Gallup’s StrengthsFinder has identified four key needs of followers: trust, compassion, stability, and hope. One might explore the Epiphany texts through this lens. It’s not hard to see how Jesus embodies those characteristics. It might also be a lens through which you and your leadership consider ministry – where and how is your church’s ministry embodying trust, compassion, stability, and hope?

Come and see! The invitation is surely for all of us.

Peace,
Claire