Several years ago, at a family New Year’s Eve gathering, my brother shouted at midnight, “I claim this year as ‘the year of Brook!’” At first, we all thought it was pretty bold of him to claim a whole year just for himself. Since then, we’ve all taken turns claiming our own years, too!
When Jesus began his ministry in his hometown congregation, he did something similar. First, he read from the prophet Isaiah: “God has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” He then said, “Today these words have been fulfilled.”
What Jesus did that day in Nazareth was announce the beginning of a Jubilee. At First Christian Church we are also boldly claiming a year of the Lord’s favor – a year of Jubilee. Beginning this Sunday, we’ll be exploring and experiencing the joy of our life in Jesus Christ in many different ways.
Please join us at our Disciples Together Worship as we read those same words from Isaiah and begin our Jubilee journey of joy. You are invited to the party!