Second
Sunday after the Epiphany
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the
world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments,
may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known,
worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
The photo shows a palm tree with its shadow playing across the wall to
the
old city of Jerusalem. The palm branches, which are a symbol of peace,
shadowing the light on the fortifications signify the peace of Jerusalem
at
a time when the city is torn by strife. It is a foreshadowing of the lasting
peace which is to come even to this most troubled location. The restive
composition is also a reminder that peace is not just an absence of war,
but
an inner contentment which is God's gift to us. The photo was taken with
black and white infrared film.