A New Name

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1 Regarding Zion, I can't keep my mouth shut, regarding Jerusalem, I can't hold my tongue, Until her righteousness blazes down like the sun and her salvation flames up like a torch. 2 Foreign countries will see your righteousness, and world leaders your glory. You'll get a brand-new name straight from the mouth of God. 3 You'll be a stunning crown in the palm of God's hand, a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God. 4 No more will anyone call you Rejected, and your country will no more be called Ruined. You'll be called Hephzibah (My Delight), and your land Beulah (Married), Because God delights in you and your land will be like a wedding celebration. 5 For as a young man marries his virgin bride, so your builder marries you, And as a bridegroom is happy in his bride, so your God is happy with you. (Isaiah 62:1-5 The Message Bible)

Dear Friend, blessings after blessings follow you throughout today and fill you to the brim with joy overflowing!

I would have liked to sit in the meeting when these names were decided: Doc, Grumpy., Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey. Kids, if you don't know where these names are from, please ask Grandma or Grandpa. These are proper names, albeit for characters in an animated movie from Walt Disney Studios. These are the names of the Seven Dwarfs, the diamond-mining, hardworking little people who rescued Snow White (Yes, another proper name.). These names are also attributed of character and nature. If you were so named, you would be obligated, no, pressured, to be like your name, especially Happy. These, however, are what we might call nicknames, and again serve more of an entertainment purpose than that of one's true or revelatory nature.

Israel, on the other hand, is our name when it comes to our relationship to God. We deserve that name because, like our "namesake" we have been both obedient and disobedient; faithful and unfaithful. Yet, the prophet declares, the day is coming, when all will be well and right. For God has a heart for you and me, and even those whom we think don't have a chance. God has a passion for us, and His unyielding love, and His promise of transformation should serve to give us hope.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to a weary, broken Israel, a people who have been exiled and crushed under the weight of sin and despair. Yet God is speaking a powerful word of hope over them. His message is one of restoration and joy, of an invitation to a future where their identity is completely renewed and their shame is turned into honor.

God says, "I won’t keep quiet until her righteousness blazes out like the sun." He is committed to seeing His people flourish. Despite their current circumstances, God has a vision for them—a vision of beauty, glory, and wholeness. They will no longer be called "Rejected" or "Ruined." Instead, they will be called “Hephzibah” (My Delight) and “Beulah” (Married). These names reflect a deep, intimate relationship with God. He is not simply their Savior; He is their Bridegroom, and He rejoices over them as a husband rejoices over his bride.

What a powerful reminder for us today! No matter where we find ourselves in life—whether we feel broken, rejected, or far from God—He sees us differently. He sees us as His delight. His love is unshakable, and His promise to restore and redeem us is sure.

There is a promise of a future where God's presence will be the source of our joy, peace, and security. We are invited into a new identity, one that reflects His love and His joy over us. We are no longer defined by our failures or our past. We are defined by the love of the God who delights in us and calls us His own. And who knows, we may get a new name, just like the one promised to Israel!

PRAYER: Awesome and Compassionate God, we thank You for Your incredible love and faithfulness. Just as You spoke words of restoration over Israel, You speak words of life and hope over us. We lay down our brokenness, our shame, and our feelings of rejection, and we receive the new identity You offer us. Help us to live in the fullness of Your love and joy, knowing that You delight in us. May our lives reflect Your glory, and may we never forget that we are Your treasured possession. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, take a moment to reflect on the name God has given you. You are not defined by your past mistakes or circumstances; you are defined by His love. Walk in the freedom that comes with being His delight, and share that hope and joy with those around you. If you’re feeling far from God, know that He delights in you and desires a closer relationship with you. Don’t wait—take a step toward Him today.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Many Gifts, One Body

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1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11 NRSV)

Dear Friend, Happy and Terrific Tuesday! I pray that all that is terrific in your opinion come your way! Keep a Jesus-with-me attitude and face the world with love! Yes, even when driving with those who don't really know how!

If you have spent much time visiting churches or witnessed the coming and going of ministers, you are aware that not all spiritual leaders are the same. Not all have the same gifts and graces, but we celebrate one Holy Spirit, whom we know, as Paul affirms, gives out diverse gifts. As a district superintendent I heard churches in search of a new pastoral leader, a grocery list of qualities and gifts they wished their new pastor would come equipped with. Many a time I wished for a The Voice chair turn, where different pastors could come and preach to four leaders from four churches and those who pressed the I Want You button would turn, see the pastor, and make the case for their church in hopes the pastor would choose them. Nah, I'm kidding! In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul addresses the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, reminding us that although we are all different, we are united by the same Spirit. The church in Corinth was experiencing division and competition, with some members feeling superior to others based on their gifts. Paul encourages them—and us—to embrace the truth that all gifts are given for the common good and come from the same Source: God.

The passage begins with Paul acknowledging the many different gifts the Holy Spirit gives to believers, from wisdom and knowledge to healing and prophecy. However, he emphasizes that the purpose of these gifts is not self-exaltation, but the edification of the entire body of Christ. "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12).

Each person in the church is essential, and each person's gift plays a vital role in the life and health of the community. There is no hierarchy in the body of Christ—no gift is greater or lesser than another. The hand cannot say to the foot, "I have no need of you," nor can the eye say to the ear, "I don’t need you." Every part of the body has a unique purpose, and every believer has a unique role to play.

Paul also makes it clear that the Spirit distributes these gifts according to God's will, not according to human preference. This means we are called to be faithful stewards of whatever gifts we have received, recognizing that they are not for our own glory, but for the building up of others and the advancing of God's kingdom.

In this passage, we are reminded that the unity of the church is not based on uniformity, but on the diversity of gifts and talents that we bring together. The church is a beautiful mosaic, with each piece playing an indispensable role. When we work together, each one contributing their unique gifts, the body of Christ is strengthened and made complete.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the beautiful diversity within the body of Christ. Thank You for the gifts You have given each of us—gifts of wisdom, knowledge, healing, teaching, service, and more. Help us to use these gifts not for our own glory, but for the common good of the church and the furthering of Your kingdom. Teach us to honor one another’s gifts and to work in unity, remembering that we are all part of the same body, called to serve and love one another. Empower us, Holy Spirit, to fulfill our roles with humility, grace, and love. May our lives reflect the unity and harmony that comes from being one in You. We offer our gifts back to You today, trusting that You will use them for Your glory. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider the gifts God has given you. How are you using them for the common good of your church community? Are you serving in humility, recognizing that every gift—whether visible or hidden—is essential? Take time today to reflect on your role within the body of Christ, and ask God to show you new ways to contribute to the unity and growth of His church.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Wedding, Wine, a Miracle

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1 Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples were guests also. 3 When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine." 4 Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother - yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me." 5 She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it." 6 Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus ordered the servants, "Fill the pots with water." And they filled them to the brim. 8 "Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did. 9 When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, 10 "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!" 11 This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (John 2:1-11 NIV)

Dear Friend, welcome to Monday dear friend! What a week this will be if you turn it over to the Lord! God will bless you, deploy you as a blessing and win the world with you. You've got this and God will bless you in wonderful ways! Be the blessing someone needs!

Robert Fulghum wrote a couple of wonderful books, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, and It Was on Fire When I First Lay Down On It, and it was in this second book, he wrote about the MOTB. I hardily agreed with him then and now. The MOTB, case you’re wondering, is the (cue Jaws theme) Mother of the Bride. I quote him: ""The mother of the bride is the real general in the field. She mobilizes, strategizes, and commands, ensuring the mission is accomplished: a perfect wedding." Oh, how I know. I don't remember how many wedding I officiated during my active ministry, but I concur with him 100%. And don't get me started on "professional" wedding coordinators/planners, and how I could preach sermon after sermon on some wedding photographers! Sigh. Calm down, Eradio!

I know weddings were different and the MOTL was the key in this wedding, not the MOTB. Yes, Mother Of The Lord. The weddings then were usually seven days long and it was a day and night celebration that pretty much provided everything for all who attended. None of the little mints and micro cups of peanuts! This was full-on barbecues and free-flowing wine events. This would be the site of the first miracle in Jesus' ministry; the changing of water into wine.

The story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana is not just a miracle—it's a profound revelation of who Jesus is and how He works in our lives. At first glance, it may seem like a simple act of saving a celebration from embarrassment, but when we look deeper, it reveals the abundant and transformative power of Christ. It sets the stage for decades of debate among the Baptists!

The wedding feast was a time of joy, and in that culture, running out of wine would have been a social disaster, causing embarrassment for the host. Yet, Jesus uses this moment of potential failure to demonstrate His glory. His first miracle wasn’t in the temple or before rulers—it was at a celebration, in the midst of ordinary people, quietly and humbly meeting a need. This speaks to the tender nature of Jesus’ love for us: He cares about our everyday needs, big and small.

Notice how Jesus’ mother, Mary, approached Him with faith. She didn’t give specific instructions; she simply said, “Do whatever he tells you.” This is a model for us: sometimes, in the face of life's difficulties, all we need to do is trust Jesus and be ready to obey His guidance, even if we don’t fully understand what He’s asking us to do.

Jesus’ action was not just a miracle; it was a demonstration of God’s abundant provision. The wine He created wasn’t just any wine—it was the best wine, reserved for the final part of the celebration. In the same way, God’s grace in our lives is not just sufficient, but abundant and overflowing. Jesus gives not just a solution, but the best solution, exceeding our expectations.

As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to recognize Jesus' power and willingness to intervene in our lives. He can turn our emptiness into fullness, our ordinary into extraordinary, and our lack into abundance. We are called to trust Him and obey His promptings, no matter how simple or unclear they might seem.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for revealing Your glory at the wedding in Cana. We are grateful that You care about the details of our lives and that You bring transformation to our ordinary circumstances. Help us to trust You like Mary did—willing to follow Your lead, even when we don't understand fully. Fill our hearts with the abundant joy of Your presence. May we always look to You as our provider, knowing that You have the best plans for us. We ask for Your help in obeying Your voice and trusting You in all things. In Your strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, take a moment to bring your ordinary concerns and needs before Jesus. Trust Him to provide, and be ready to follow whatever direction He gives, no matter how simple or unexpected it may seem. You may be surprised at the abundance He wants to pour into your life!

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Lights Out!

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1 "Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God's bright glory has risen for you. 2 The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness, But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness. 4 Look up! Look around! Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you: Your sons coming from great distances, your daughters carried by their nannies. 5 When you see them coming you'll smile - big smiles! Your heart will swell and, yes, burst! All those people returning by sea for the reunion, a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations! 6 And then streams of camel caravans as far as the eye can see, young camels of nomads in Midian and Ephah, Pouring in from the south from Sheba, loaded with gold and frankincense, preaching the praises of God. (Isaiah 60:1-6 The Message)

Dear Friend, a most blessed day with the Lord be yours today and all days is my prayer for you. I pray this time with God will bless you and me with all we need to help win the world for Jesus!

I don't know about you but as a child I disliked naps. I attended Kindergarten in Kingsville and I know that nap time was not an option I would have chosen for myself. And when I attended my first youth camp, a one week camp at Mt. Wesley Methodist Encampment in Kerrville, Texas, at age 12, I was exposed to a regimented schedule that included a one-hour time slot activity immediately after lunch called Horizontal Hour. It was a nap time! Of course, no one napped, but we were confined to our cabins and the leaders tried to keep us in our bunks. And at night there was a mandatory lights out. If you hand't finished what you were doing, too bad, all the lights in camp were turned off and the leaders walked around with flashlights trying to find those who were trying to sneak off. Now that I am of a certain age, I love naps! And my bed has become one of the most favorite locations in my home. Sleeping no longer seems like an enemy to me.

Here is a passage that deals with those who have found themselves in spiritual darkness; Ephiphany was God turning on the light.

In the days leading up to the Epiphany, we remember the journey of the wise men, who followed a star to find the Christ child. This journey was a pursuit of divine revelation—an epiphany. They were not only seeking a king, but they were seeking God’s glory revealed in the flesh.

Isaiah 60 speaks to the heart of this theme: the dawning of God's glorious light over the earth. Israel, once cloaked in darkness, will now rise in glory because of God's presence. "Arise, shine!" is a call for the people of God to awaken and reflect His light, for God’s presence will draw all nations to Him. Even in a world covered in deep darkness, God's light will shine so brightly that it will attract people from all corners of the earth.

The wise men who came to Jesus were not the only ones drawn by this light; God’s glory is not just for Israel but for all nations. The imagery in this passage is rich with promise: the wealth of the nations, the coming of kings and treasures, the return of God’s people from distant lands. All are drawn to the light that shines from God’s glory.

This Epiphany, we are reminded that we are called to reflect that same light of Christ. Just as the wise men followed the star, we are called to follow the light of Christ in our own lives. We are not only called to behold God’s light but also to share it with others.

In a world still marred by darkness—whether in our personal lives, our communities, or the world at large—God has entrusted us with the mission of shining His light to those around us. This light is not a passive light; it is a beacon, a call, a bright display of the glory and goodness of God.

We are also reminded that the light of Christ is not just for us alone. The nations are coming, and it is our mission to welcome them. The Epiphany season invites us to see beyond our borders, beyond our comfort zones, and recognize that God's love is universal. This is the season to share the Good News of Christ with those who might not yet know Him.

PRAYER: Loving God, We thank You for the light of Your glory that shines through the darkness of our world. We thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be the Light that leads us to salvation. This Epiphany season, we pray that we would arise and shine with Your love, joy, and peace. May we be reflectors of Your goodness and invite others to come and know Your glory. We pray for those who are still in darkness, that they might be drawn to the light of Christ. May Your presence be our guide, and may Your glory fill our hearts as we seek to shine in this world. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, take a moment to reflect on how you can be a light to someone who may be struggling in darkness—whether through an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or simply offering a listening ear. Let the light of Christ in you shine brightly, so that others may be drawn to His glory.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

All Has Been Revealed

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This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. (Ephesians 3:1-12 NRSV)

Dear Friend, did you know we are blessed by God by His having revealed so many things kept as mysteries in ages past, but which we count now as revelations of God's love. Rejoice! Make a joyful noise and start sharing what is awesome for all to know!

I have no idea of navigating through any video games, save for maybe Pong or Ms. Pac-Man. My grandsons have tried, but grandpa simply says, "No entiendo" to Nintendo. I've tried, honest I have, but just this morning my four year-old asked me to watch him as he played a new game and all I could see was his character walking over solid bridges and then waitng for floating birdges to get him from one area to another. There are spideers and there are two characters that he calls grandma and grandpa. I think they're sacrifitual lambs. I thought back to the days where a stick and a cardboard box were all I needed to be a knight battling dragons, or a GI battling the Axis forces in Europe. I am of a certain age, and my grandchildren of their own certain age; what I have seen, learned, experienced, and witnessed, most of which was good, I pray they will also experience; but the bad that they will be spared those. May the mysteries of God's love overflow with true revelation on them. Our text today in a way says the same thing.

In Ephesians 3:1-12, Paul speaks of the great mystery of God's will—once hidden, now revealed through Christ. This mystery is not a secret to be kept, but a glorious truth to be shared. It is the revelation that the Gentiles, non-Jews, are included in God’s promises, heirs together with the Jews, and partakers of the same body in Christ. Paul is overwhelmed by this grace, and despite his own unworthiness, he is entrusted with the task of proclaiming this truth.

For the early Christians, this was a radical and transformative revelation. The gospel was no longer reserved for a particular group of people but was meant for all, regardless of race, status, or background. The cross of Christ leveled all distinctions, and through the church, God’s manifold wisdom would be made known to the heavenly realms and the world.

Paul calls this "the boundless riches of Christ"—an inheritance of grace, peace, and unity that is open to all who believe. What was once a mystery is now clear: God’s love is for everyone.

This message, though initially shocking to some, was and is meant to bring people together. It is a gospel of inclusion, a gospel of hope, and a gospel of unity. As believers, we are called not only to receive this grace but also to proclaim it, sharing the love of Christ with all people, regardless of where they come from or what their past holds.

Paul’s own life is a testimony to this truth. He was a former persecutor of Christians, yet God’s grace reached him and transformed him. Now, he suffers for the sake of the gospel, but he sees it as an honor—because it is through such suffering that the truth of Christ is further revealed.

Paul urges the Ephesian church to not lose heart because of his sufferings. Instead, he encourages them to embrace the boldness that comes with knowing Christ. The message of the gospel gives us confidence to approach God, not with fear or hesitation, but with boldness, knowing that we are invited into the family of God. We have been given access to the Creator of the universe through Jesus Christ.

When we live in the light of this revelation, we are empowered to live differently—no longer bound by the divisions of the world but united in Christ. We are called to be agents of reconciliation, bringing the love and grace of Christ to everyone we meet.

This boldness is not just for Paul or the apostles. It’s for all of us. The church has been entrusted with the wisdom of God, and through our lives and our witness, God’s truth is made known in the world. We are His living testimony of His love and grace.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for revealing the mystery of Your grace to us. We rejoice that through Jesus Christ, we are all heirs of the promises You made. Thank You for making us part of Your family, regardless of our past or where we come from. We pray that we would never take this grace for granted, but rather, that we would live boldly, sharing Your love and wisdom with the world around us. Help us to be a church that reflects Your unity, a church that breaks down walls of division and invites everyone to experience the riches of Christ. Give us the courage to boldly proclaim the gospel, to reach out to those who are far from You, and to offer the hope of reconciliation through Christ. We ask for Your strength and Your peace, especially in times of suffering. May we, like Paul, endure for the sake of the gospel and find joy in being a part of Your eternal purpose. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Who are the people in your life—near or far—who need to hear the message of Christ’s inclusive love? Take a step today to reach out, whether through words, acts of kindness, or a prayer for someone. Remember, the mystery has been revealed: all are invited into God's family. How will you share this good news?

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Jesus Crossed the Border

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13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. (Matthew 2:13-23 NIV)

Dear Friend, may this wonderful day made espeically for you by God bring you closer to your dreams of being faithful and fruitful to the Lord. Do not let despair or depression or fear or doubt, nor any other thing deter you from following Jesus. Look deep into His face and see the love that is there for you. You can overcome whatever negative things you think are headed towards you, with His help.

Friends you make in church can be lifelong friends, and that is usally a great thing. My mother was no exception, when it came to a dear friend she met and made in Kingsville who moved away about two or three years before we moved to Houston. Her friend moved South to Harlingen as her husband worked for Missiour Pacific Railroad. They were active members of the Harlingen church and once a week or more, checked into see how each other was doing, and to shared what was not going right in the churches they now belonged to. On one particular day, she called me after one of those conversations and she was livid. "The new pastor in Harlingen said Jesus was an illegal alien!" This is the text that pastor preached on that particular Sunday.

It was a life or death situation for Jesus. The political climate at the time was this: A ruthless, mad, in the sense of insanity, for Herod was a hated man by all who knew him and were subjects under him. Herod had all of his brothers killed for fear they might challenge him for his throne and knowing that whenever he died he was so hated no one would cry for him, orders were given that the top leaders in Jerusalem be killed at the same hour as his death so there would be weeping and wailing at his death. So, to find out that the Magi double-crossed him, infuriated him! He issues an order to have all male children under the age of two in and around Bethlehem be killed; and guess who fit that description? Our Lord and Savior.

In the early days of His life, Jesus was not only the promised Savior but also an immigrant—fleeing from a tyrant king's wrath and seeking refuge in a foreign land. Matthew's account of Jesus' escape into Egypt emphasizes a profound truth: the King of the universe, who had come to save the world, was also a vulnerable refugee, experiencing the uncertainty, danger, and hardship of forced migration.

Jesus’ immigration to Egypt wasn’t a mere historical event; it was a fulfillment of prophecy and a model of God’s heart for the displaced. In the Old Testament, God had called Israel out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1), but now, in the New Testament, God’s Son, Jesus, was called into Egypt to escape violence and death. The irony is clear—while Israel had once been enslaved in Egypt, now, the Savior of Israel was a refugee in that same land.

This journey teaches us several things. First, God does not stand distant from human suffering. He knows what it’s like to be in a place where you do not belong, to seek refuge, to face the threat of violence, and to live under the instability of foreign rule. Second, it reminds us that God’s kingdom is not confined to one place, one people, or one nationality. Jesus came for all people, and in His own life, He demonstrated solidarity with those who are displaced, marginalized, and oppressed.

As we reflect on Jesus’ life as a refugee, we are called to consider how we respond to those who are fleeing from danger and oppression today. The world continues to be filled with refugees, displaced persons, and immigrants who are seeking safety, freedom, and opportunity. How can we, as followers of Christ, offer the same compassion and refuge that He received when He came to us? What would you be willing to do to save your son or daughter's life?

PRAYER: Awesome God of all people, we thank You for Your willingness to enter into our broken world, not just as a mighty king, but as a refugee, one who understands the pain of displacement, fear, and uncertainty. We are in awe of Your humility and Your compassion for the suffering of others. As You sought safety in Egypt, we ask You to help us open our hearts to those who are fleeing from violence, persecution, and hardship. May Your example inspire us to be a refuge for the weary, a safe haven for those in need, and a voice for the voiceless. Lord, we pray for all who are displaced today—grant them peace, protection, and the hope of Your presence. May we reflect Your love in practical ways. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: As we reflect on Jesus' experience as a refugee, let us commit to being agents of compassion in our communities. Reach out to immigrants, refugees, and those in need of support—whether through prayer, tangible resources, or advocacy. Let us remember that in welcoming the stranger, we welcome Christ Himself.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Leave Your Shoes Out!

Image from iowacitymoms.org

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1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:1-12 NIV)

Dear Friend, ¡Feliz Dia de los Reyes Magos! More on that later! I trust this finds you well and completely out of holiday mode! You know what I'm talking about! Most schools resume today and the loud thankfull sigh you heard earlier this morning was from the parents sending their kids back to school. The screams were from the school tachers and all school personnel! Make it a day of sharing and giving for that's what it is for many around the world. More on that later!

It's now later: The interesting thing about having lived in the Rio Grande Valley for many years saw the malls and shopping centers around this time of year crowded as it if twas the Eve before Christmas Eve! Stores were crowded with our brothers and sisters from Mexico looking for the perfect Dia de Los Reyes Magos gift. If you're reading this online, you're seeing a sample of shoes loaded with gifts left there during the night by the Magi. It's part of a global tradition among the Latin American nations that celebrate the first gifts given the Christ child by the wise men from the East. This is part of what we call Epiphany, a revealing that this birth of this child was for ALL the world, not just the geographical area around Bethlehem.

The Epiphany marks the moment when the light of Christ’s birth is revealed not just to the people of Israel but to the whole world. In the story of the Magi, we see the fulfillment of a promise: God’s salvation is not limited by borders, by race, or by nationality. The Magi, wise men from distant lands, were among the first to recognize the divine nature of the child born in Bethlehem, and they came to worship Him. Their journey was a long one, guided by a star, but more importantly, it was a journey of revelation, where the truth about Jesus—the King of the Jews, the Savior of all nations—was made manifest to them.

For many Latin American countries, the tradition of Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings or Wise Men) is a beloved part of Epiphany celebrations. On January 6th, children often receive gifts in honor of the Magi’s offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. The day symbolizes both the joy of the Magi’s discovery and the revelation that Christ is a gift to the world—a gift that is not bound by any particular people or nation, but one that is available to all.

The journey of the Magi was one of both humility and awe. Despite their wisdom and status, they bowed before a child in a humble home, recognizing the true King of kings. Their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were symbols of honor, reverence, and the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ mission. They did not come to take, but to give. They understood that true kingship was not about power, but about servanthood and sacrifice.

As we reflect on this moment of revelation, we are invited to ask ourselves: How have we responded to the revelation of Christ in our lives? Like the Magi, are we willing to travel any distance, to sacrifice any comfort, to seek out and worship the King who came to save us? And like them, are we willing to offer our best gifts in worship?

The light that led the Magi to Jesus is the same light that calls us today. It beckons us to follow, to seek, and to give.

PRAYER: Loving Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of revelation—For the light that leads us to You, and for the invitation to follow, no matter the distance. Like the Magi, may we offer You our very best—our hearts, our gifts, and our lives in worship. We confess that sometimes we are distracted by the worries of the world or the pull of self-interest, but we pray that You would open our eyes to see You as the King of kings and the Savior of all nations. Guide us, Lord, by Your light, and help us to reflect Your love and grace to those around us. May this Epiphany be a moment of renewal, where we recommit ourselves to seeking You with all our hearts. In Your holy name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This Epiphany, consider what gifts you can offer to Christ. Are there areas of your life where you need to surrender your own desires in order to worship Him more fully? Perhaps it’s a gift of time, service, or forgiveness. Reflect on the journey of the Magi and respond to God’s revelation by offering your best in devotion and love.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.