February 2026
Every year, as we move from Christmas to Epiphany, it feels as if we are taking a train ride. Beginning on Christmas Day, the train pulls out of the station. And, by the time we encounter the Baptism of Jesus, it feels as if the train has begun its journey.
Each week, as we come to worship, we experience a different glimpse into the Epiphany light shining on humankind. We learn about the beginning of Jesus’s ministry and about how the call of the disciples relates to us. We hear the words of the Beatitudes and if the season lasts long enough, we encounter some of the spiritual encounters Jesus experiences during this phase of his ministry.
Gradually, the train picks up speed until it comes to the final Sunday of Epiphany—the Transfiguration of our Lord. On this Sunday (February 15 this year), we hear the story of God’s message to humankind about Jesus. God identifies Jesus as God’s own Son. Disciples who have accompanied him on his mountain journey experience a moment of glory as Moses and Elijah appear on the scene. The Epiphany journey is complete.
On Ash Wednesday, the train comes to an abrupt halt. As lent begins, the tracks begin to move along a different course leading to a story of crucifixion, death and redemption.
If we view this part of the church year as a train ride, we understand that each year we experience the story, we gain a little more understanding of our own lives. We discover joy in the Epiphany story as we celebrate Jesus as God coming into the world. Ultimately, we are immersed in resurrection joy after the long Lenten season and the story of Jesus on the cross
As the story continues, we understand that the train of salvation never stops. God’s work of salvation moves our world. And the Lenten season offers us the opportunity to examine our own lives and to more fully understand the power of God’s redemption.
News events always provide illustrations of the necessity of God’s train of salvation. We are fragile human beings subject to sinfulness throughout our lives. God’s power of forgiveness helps us to understand how the train moves in our lives. But the ultimate understanding comes as Easter light reminds us of God’s eternal grace and love at work in and through us.
As the cold of winter gives way to the Lenten experience and then to the new light of Easter morning, our journey unfolds. Plan to participate in additional worship opportunities each week as Lent begins. Plan for your own devotional response. And, as always, live each day in the fullness of God’s love directed to each of us and to all people everywhere.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Scott