Hello Dear Ones,

I’d planned to post this holiday greeting and image today on the Feast of the Epiphany with no idea of how violence would manifest in Washington, DC. I hope that you and your household are well, safe, and strong enough. And I pray that you will continue to do what you do to bring about God’s Dream for Humanity.

Today, January 6th, is the Feast of the Epiphany/Día de los Reyes/Three Kings Day. It commemorates adoration of the Christ Child by foreign magi (royal scholars). We Christians celebrate God’s love for all humanity given to all cultures, ethnicities, races. We also celebrate the diversity of Christ’s Church and the gift of awakenings – “epiphanies” when we see with God’s eyes.

Back in November I began sketching St. Mary singing “The Magnificat” seen through the lens of 2020. I envisioned a Christmas Card with a Black Mary singing for justice with great faith and hope:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of this servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name.

God’s mercy is for those who revere God from generation to generation.

God has shown strength of arm; scattering the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

Bringing down the powerful from their thrones, and lifting up the lowly;

God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

God has helped the servant nation, in remembrance of divine mercy,

according to the promise God made to our ancestors, to Abraham and Sarah,

and their descendants forever.” (Luke 1:46b-55; NRVS adapted)

As I reflected on the text, much resonated with what I’m hearing young women saying today. Thus, “The Hashtag Skirt.” I hope you’ll add your preferences. And if you don’t know these movements, please check them out:

#CoronaHeroes #IntheBigLove #SaytheirNames #nonviolence #halfby2030 #WaterisLife #ParisAccord #AAPISolidarity #StandAgainstHated #Peace #Homefulness #Justice&Mercy #PoliceReform #BlackLivesMatter #ProScience #NoFence #Corona-1619 #GreenNewDeal #GirlPower #LandBack #doctorSusanMoore #LoveWins #NomorestolenSisters #gogreen #EveryVoteCounts #BetheChange #MeToo #Love (some capitalizations changed for visual appeal)

The radiant light/energy waves are inspired by Stevie Wonders’ fabulous album cover for “Songs in the Key of Life” (1976), a source of great spiritual care when I was a young adult.

This is a sacred illustration, a proclamation of faith. I hope there is something here that speaks in a true way for you. May this image be a statement of hope that 2021 will be filled with many epiphanies for us on all levels. God is still speaking. God is still calling us into fullness of being for the well-being of all beings.

In the Big Love,

Kathryn

Rev. Kathryn M Schreiber

Berkeley Chinese Community Church, UCC

Berkeley, CA, USA

P.S. If you’d like, you’re welcome to copy and print the image for personal use, including as a coloring project. However, I ask that you do not reproduce and share without my permission. You are welcome, however, to freely share the link to this page. God bless you and yours. Thank you!