Wednesday Words
January 3, 2024
Theme: We Trust Our Belovedness
Pastor Cathy Daharsh

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” – Luke 3:21-22

Beloved (Adjective) – Dearly loved; dear to the heart.

Belovedness (Noun) – The state or condition of being beloved.

Happy New Year!  In December we began our theme, “How do we rejoice in a weary world?”  We started by recognizing our weariness, and this Sunday we conclude our theme with trusting our belovedness.  Our joy is grounded in the fact that we belong to God.  In the story of Jesus’ baptism, the heavens open and the voice of God surrounds Jesus in joy and loving care.  In some translations the verse from Luke 3:22 is interpreted as, “in you, I find happiness and delight.”  We can draw a conclusion that we are also a source of God’s joy.  When we trust our belovedness, we live and give fully.  We are motivated to treat all of creation with tenderness, and grace.  When we trust our belovedness, we have endless reasons to rejoice and see the good in the world even in the midst of struggle and challenge.

With the words spoken to Jesus in mind, theologian Henri Nouwen writes: “It certainly is not easy to hear that voice in a world filled with voices that shout: ‘You are no good, you are ugly; you are worthless; you are despicable, you are nobody—unless you can demonstrate the opposite.’  These negative voices are so loud and so persistent that it is easy to believe them.  That’s the great trap.  It is the trap of self-rejection.”  This week, may we be freed from this trap so that we can experience the freedom and joy that comes when we trust in Christ, to whom we belong.  Let this new year be a time of not giving into those negative voices, but instead leaning into the joy and confidence that is found in you, and your belovedness.

To start our year in a positive way, we will again be sharing star words with you during worship, beginning this Sunday.  Churches all over the world give people a star word during Epiphany.  There are many reasons behind this tradition.  First, we know that the Magi followed a star, which ultimately lead them to Jesus.  Secondly, we trust that God uses multiple ways to guide us and speak to us.  Star words are one way that might give us direction to look for God in our lives.  Finally, this word is a way to center ourselves in prayer and reflection.  I hope to see you this week as we start the year trusting in our belovedness through the work of Christ in us.  Amen.

Peace and Hope to you in 2024,

Pastor Cathy