An Epiphany Season of Rest

by Devin Murphy on December 20, 2024

Matthew 11:28-30: “²⁸Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

As I write this letter, we are only days before Christmas Eve and hopeful that Advent will spread the good news of our Lord, enrich and build up our people, and provide a truly joyous experience for our members and visitors. As you read this though, I can only imagine we have finally entered a little season of rest. The Epiphany Season celebrates the coming of the Magi, the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, and often many other good things. In many ways though, it is a quiet time between two overwhelming and busy seasons in Advent and Lent.

In the Epiphany season we have an opportunity to recover from the overload of travel, family, and work, and find our peace in the Word of God, in times of prayer, and in the simple fact that we are far less busy. Since the creation of the world, the concept of a Sabbath rest has pointed the people of God towards the simple truth that we need times of refreshment, times of calm, and times to simply set aside the busyness and recover. There is a time to withdraw, to catch up on a little sleep, to ease up on the activities, and focus in on the needs of our families, our loved ones, and our lives. The time to gear up and get to work will surely come again, but for a brief time, we can gladly embrace the gift of rest from our Lord.

Whatever burdens your soul this month, whatever wearies your heart, take time for yourself and the people around you to rest and soak in the gifts of God. Remember that our worship services are not primarily meant for you to offer something, but for you to receive the gifts, forgiveness, and promises of God. Let God’s goodness and grace wash over you and mend whatever needs soothing. Pray for one another that God would grant each of you the rest you need. Our heavenly Father will surely grant you through his Son, Jesus all you need.

Praying for your refreshment and healing in the Lord,

Pastor Devin Murphy

About the Author

Devin Murphy

Devin is married to Melissa Murphy, and they have four children together, Penny (10), Devin Jr. (8), Jamie (5), and Jenny (10 months). Prior to accepting the call at Hope, Devin deferred placement for several years to work on a Ph. D. in Biblical studies with a focus on Paul’s understanding of gift in 2 Corinthians. Devin has completed all of his coursework and exams and is still in the writing stage of his dissertation. He was blessed to have many opportunities to work as an adjunct instructor for the seminary, teaching Greek, Hebrew, and other exegetical courses while working on his dissertation. A month prior to arriving at Hope, Devin was ordained at his vicarage congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church on May 21. In his spare time, Devin enjoys playing games with his wife, going on little adventures with his kids, and talking theology with his friends.