Epiphany Joy: Hope & Expectation

“As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts…” Luke 3:15a

The new year brings expectations to the forefront of our thinking by way of resolutions. Often resolutions are focused around things to improve or change. Resolutions and goals are a way to identify hopes and unmet expectations. 

The story of Jesus’ baptism is dramatic and highlights the significant expectations that he faced in embracing the mantle of ministry. 

Today, take a few moments to reflect on any goals or resolutions you have set for this new year. What do these intentions reveal about your hopes and expectations? What questions or concerns do you have about your ambitions and objectives? Who can help sort out and support you in the coming weeks? 

On an index card or post-it note, write down one expectation and a correlating question. Stick it in a place you see regularly– the fridge door, your bathroom mirror, the nightstand, or your steering wheel. Each time you hold this expectation and question, invite the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and revelation. 

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Epiphany Comfort: Jesus is Baptised

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22

While most often stars and wise men come to mind during Epiphany, the baptism of Jesus is an important event celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox church during Epiphany.  So water, baptism, and new beginnings are also wrapped into this season.  In this quiet season following the hubbub of the Christmas holidays, might feel a bit like a plunge into the dark cold waters of winter.

What might Jesus have felt as he sank beneath the water in the Jordan river?  Did time wind down at that moment?  Did he anticipate the journey into the wilderness that would follow God’s blessing?

Life is such a mixture of happiness and despair.  It is strange and wondrous to me how the most beautiful things can grow out of the hardest times.  Of course, that is part of the story of this season – a star shining in the darkness.  God, incarnate, under the water and breaking the surface to feel the light and love of a divine blessing.

God,  as we sink into winter and darkness, help us hold onto hope and light.  In the present moment, may we anticipate the creativity and warmth You are birthing during Epiphany.

**If you have the Epiphany Comfort Kit, use your field notes book to capture your thoughts and reflections on the journal questions.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Epiphany Joy: Creativity in the Margins

“They set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.”  -Matthew 2:9-10

Epiphanies, new understanding, or times of intense clarity need space in our lives in order to actually happen.  The Magi journeyed and then “stopped and were overwhelmed with joy.”  Not only did they experience joy in the stopping, but also new direction.

How could you build margin into your life?  What could you put in the doesn’t need to be done column so that there is room for margin?  What happens if you do not have extra brain space in your life?  Can you think of a time in your life when you had very little margin?  What about a time when you had extra breathing room?

What if you only gave 70% of your energy towards something this week?  How would you use the extra 30%?  Maybe the extra 30% would be for just sitting and reflecting.  

This week take some time to create a “margin space” in your home.  A spot where you would like to spend some time in the margins of your life.  It could be a chair with your favorite pillow.  It might be clearing off your desk or workspace and hanging some fairy lights.

Life happens and sometimes all the margins are used up, but making intentional effort and thought can also help this to happen.

Comfort Kit Note:  If you purchased an Epiphany Comfort Kit this week would be a great time to use the fairy lights!

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Epiphany Comfort: Illumination, Encounter & Intuition

“They set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.”  -Matthew 2:9-10

The beauty and challenge of language is that a single word can mean many things. Epiphany may be a strange or unfamiliar word. And it is one that holds a variety of meanings, all connected to the nativity story. 

The capstone of the Christmas season in the liturgical tradition is Epiphany. When used in this way, it denotes the church festival that commemorates the coming of the Magi. When these wise ones arrive at their intended destination, their response is overwhelming joy. 

This is a revealing scene. An epiphany. This is an illuminating moment of discovery and realization. An epiphany. This is an encounter with the divine. An epiphany. 

And, through this experience, these kings have an intuitive grasp of something. An epiphany. And so they change course. They go home by another way. 

As Christmastide concludes and we move into the season of Epiphany, consider: 

  • What has been revealed to you? 
  • What discovery or illumination has come over the past few weeks? 
  • How has this brought overwhelming joy to some area of life? 
  • What might this discovery and light lead you to do differently in the coming days?

God of love, light and revelation. Thank you for your illuminating and revealing presence. May I be overwhelmed with joy as I follow after you. Amen.

**If you have the Epiphany Comfort Kit, use your field notes book to capture your thoughts and reflections on the journal questions.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Epiphany: Series Introduction

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
 and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light, 
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”
Isaiah 60:1-3

You might have heard an expert say recently (or even read on our blog) take a deep breath.  Try to be present in the moment.  This advice is often given when we are experiencing anxiety and letting thoughts unravel hopelessly.  In many ways, this is what Some Comfort and Joy is all about. 

Holidays are a time to celebrate, take a rest from day to day tasks and enjoy being with others.  Being aware of and celebrating the seasons as we pass through them is also a way of being present in the moment.  Instead of just traveling mindlessly, the seasons and holidays give a chance to stand still in the moment and say, for example, “Hello, Epiphany!  What a beautiful time to be here now where I am.”  Acknowledging and celebrating where we are can give us hope and the endurance we need for the difficult parts of life that we will also encounter along the way.

Epiphany offers light, creativity, and revelation.  In the Christian church, Epiphany brings a chance to celebrate the revelation of Christ to the Magi through the manifestation of a star.  Epiphany also creates a bridge in the liturgical calendar between the celebration of Christmas and the beginning of Lent. 

Hopefully, as we enter Epiphany we can individually and as a community, take a deep breath and plant our feet in the current season and reach for some light, creativity, and revelation.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Thanks for your support of our fall series (and first podcast series!). Listen in to find out how you can support this work…
  1. Fall Wrap Up
  2. Joy for Fall: Gratitude
  3. Comfort for Fall: Sing Praise
  4. Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk
  5. Comfort for Fall: Bless the Lord

Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk (Psalm 104:2-6)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

You stretch out the heavens like a tent,
you set the beams of your chambers on the waters,
you make the clouds your chariot,
you ride on the wings of the wind,
you make the winds your messengers,
fire and flame your ministers.
You set the earth on its foundations,
so that it shall never be shaken.
You cover it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains. Psalm 104:2-6

Take an autumn walk and discover anew the beauty the Psalmist writes about.  Collect seed pods, late flowers, colorful leaves or small branches.  Bring them home with you and arrange them in a basket or vase.  

As you pass your display throughout the week allow it to be a reminder that God’s goodness is ever present with us!

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

On your mobile device click the link below and listen to our podcast on your favorite platform. If you’re reading our blog in your email while on your desktop computer and want to listen; please head to our webpage www.somecomfortandjoy.com and click on today’s post. When you view the blog on our website you’ll have access to podcast at the bottom of the post.

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Thanks for your support of our fall series (and first podcast series!). Listen in to find out how you can support this work…
  1. Fall Wrap Up
  2. Joy for Fall: Gratitude
  3. Comfort for Fall: Sing Praise
  4. Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk
  5. Comfort for Fall: Bless the Lord

Epiphany Comfort Kits!

If you are one of our readers who have wondered how you can support our work, here is a fun way! Sherah-Leigh and I are excited to let you know that we are again offering Comfort Kits.

Holiday gift giving is just around the corner!  Let Some Comfort and Joy help you satisfy your shopping list with our newest Comfort Kit. This kit is designed to accompany our upcoming Epiphany Series (beginning in January).  Each item was chosen to enhance your (or a loved one’s) Epiphany journey.

We are taking preorders on our Epiphany Kit through Oct. 25th.  Preorder kits will ship on Nov. 9th.  Listen to our Some Comfort and Joy podcast today Oct 15th or to a podcast next week to for the coupon code (a $5 value)!  Or click here to place your order right now.

Joy for Fall: Pumpkin Pie (Psalm 126:6)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

He who goes out weeping,
carrying seeds to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6 NIV

This week consider choosing an activity that evokes the season for you:

  • Take the time to bake something pumpkin or maybe apple 
  • Perhaps light a candle with a fallish scent
  • Pick up a warm drink and pay attention to the smell
  • Enjoy a family campfire this weekend

 As you engage in one of these activities take a few moments to focus on the aroma of fall and be reminded of the balance of the holiday season.  Sometimes it will be wonderful, and sometimes it will not.  Remember that God is with you through life’s ups and downs.

In our family it’s not really fall without pumpkin pie.  Here is a family favorite from my mother, Catherine Ramer Stoltzfus. 

Pumpkin custard pie

1 cup cooked pumpkin or butternut squash (my mom prefers the squash)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
2 cups milk scalded
3 eggs separated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Pastry for 1 (9 inch) crust

Measure and blend egg yolks, sugar, salt, spices together.  Then add milk and vanilla. If you choose to, separate eggs beat whites till they’re stiff then fold them in pumpkin mix.

Pour into unbaked pie crust. 

Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350 and continue baking for 30 minutes or until custard is set.

On your mobile device click the link below and listen to our podcast on your favorite platform. If you’re reading our blog in your email while on your desktop computer and want to listen; please head to our webpage www.somecomfortandjoy.com and click on today’s post. When you view the blog on our website you’ll have access to podcast at the bottom of the post.

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Thanks for your support of our fall series (and first podcast series!). Listen in to find out how you can support this work…
  1. Fall Wrap Up
  2. Joy for Fall: Gratitude
  3. Comfort for Fall: Sing Praise
  4. Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk
  5. Comfort for Fall: Bless the Lord

Joy for Fall: “Setting aside our doing”

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“God, brilliant Lord,
Your name echoes around the world.”  Psalm 8:9

Setting aside our doing to be with God

Sunset whispering pink threaded with blue and yellow
What human might
What effort
Could out-do this temporal painting?

Waves returning to shore
Swaying an ancient rhythm
Vast 
We cannot control the sea.

Stars prick the night sky
Limitless universe
We bow beneath
The weight of God’s glory.

Our to-do list melts
Under Your holy gaze
Pass by here, Lord
So we can catch a glimpse
Of your might.


We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

On your mobile device click the link below and listen to our podcast on your favorite platform. If you’re reading our blog in your email while on your desktop computer and want to listen; please head to our webpage www.somecomfortandjoy.com and click on today’s post. When you view the blog on our website you’ll have access to podcast at the bottom of the post.

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Thanks for your support of our fall series (and first podcast series!). Listen in to find out how you can support this work…
  1. Fall Wrap Up
  2. Joy for Fall: Gratitude
  3. Comfort for Fall: Sing Praise
  4. Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk
  5. Comfort for Fall: Bless the Lord

Comfort for Fall: God’s artwork (Psalm 8:3-5)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry,
Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,
Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?
Yet we’ve so narrowly missed being gods,
Bright with Eden’s dawn light.”  Psalm 8:3-5 The Message

The Psalmist reminds us that we are part of God’s beautiful, creative work.  Writer Emily P. Freeman refers to us each as a poem written by God.  Each of us with gifts to share and connections to make it this world.  Each of us – a work of art.

For me, creating connection means slowing down to listen to my children when they speak.  It means taking time for coffee and stories with others, and checking in with lonely friends in a more intentional way.  Becoming God’s work of art in the world isn’t only sharing the good news with words, it is also forging and maintaining connections with people around us.  What a comfort to know that even everyday caring and connections matter in the Spiritual realm.

In what ways do you foster connections for yourself, your family members and for others in your community?  Who might God’s Spirit lead you to hold dearly?

God of connections, Hold us closely in your arms.  Give us diligence and endurance as we seek to be faithful enactors of your love and co-creators of life poems.  We ask for creativity and inspiration to share Your love in our walk today.  AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

On your mobile device click the link below and listen to our podcast on your favorite platform. If you’re reading our blog in your email while on your desktop computer and want to listen; please head to our webpage www.somecomfortandjoy.com and click on today’s post. When you view the blog on our website you’ll have access to podcast at the bottom of the post.

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Thanks for your support of our fall series (and first podcast series!). Listen in to find out how you can support this work…
  1. Fall Wrap Up
  2. Joy for Fall: Gratitude
  3. Comfort for Fall: Sing Praise
  4. Joy for Fall: Autumn Walk
  5. Comfort for Fall: Bless the Lord