Leaning into Epiphany
Look for the thread of redemption in every story
**If you're new around here, welcome to my table! Pull up a chair and join me for a hearty bowl of Butternut Squash & Turkey Chili with cornbread. Each week I write this letter to help you feast on the glory of God and experience Him in new ways!
We joined hands in a circle on that January day. My three daughters were invited to say the vows with Shawn and me during our wedding ceremony because we believed we were entering into a covenant together as a new family.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the sanctuary as more than 700 people gathered as our community of witnesses for this moment. My friend handcrafted a magnificent wooden sign that hung at the center of the stage above our heads, proclaiming the word “glory” in sparkling red letters. Like the sun-kissed petals on the roses in my bouquet, God’s redemption plan for our family was just beginning to unfold.
Part of the beauty of Shawn and my wedding was the opportunity to celebrate in community with our people and bear witness to the glory of God in our story. Our wedding was a sign of God’s redemption, even though it didn’t mean everything was tied up in a neat bow of happily-ever-after. As our people came around us, we declared that God was redeeming grief for his glory. This was a starting line of sorts for the process of healing my heart after the death of my first husband, Ericlee.
Redemption is a powerful thread that runs through the fabric of the Biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation. Redemption presents a paradox: the coming together of seeming opposites with a miraculous result. Joy and grief swirl together each day, each hour, each moment in this life, like a couple whirling in a waltz on the dance floor.
One of my favorite examples of this thread of redemption in the Bible appears in the book of Ruth. This is the story of two widows - a Jew and a Gentile - who experience deep loss and grief, but also taste redemption. Ruth and Naomi’s story reminds us that God offers redemption not just for the Israelites but for all the nations and for all of us. He cares deeply about the vulnerable and the grieving.
After the death of both of their husbands, Ruth travels back to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. She finds herself gathering grain in the field of Boaz, who “just so happens” to be a relative or “family redeemer” to Naomi. Boaz sees Ruth’s good work and makes sure she is provided for through the resources God has bestowed upon him. The two are married, and their story is a robust branch in the family tree of Jesus Christ, who was born of the line of David. Ruth is great-times-forty-grandma to God’s own Son, our ultimate family redeemer.
Like Ruth, we are grafted into God’s family tree when we choose to believe in Jesus, his birth, death, and resurrection.
If you traveled to the Holy Land today, you might come upon two historical landmarks - one is called Boaz’s Valley, and the other nearby is the deemed The Shepherds’ Field situated in the vicinity of the Palestinian village of Beit Sahour, close to Bethlehem.
Is it any wonder that the land where Ruth and Naomi were redeemed from poverty by their “family redeemer,” Boaz, is in the same geographic region where, hundreds of years later, the angels announce the coming of our Redeemer, Immanuel, to the shepherds?
God chose the shepherds, who were among the humble working class, to be the first to hear about the birth of His son, the Shepherd-King. The story unfolds in Luke 2:
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:8-12 ESV).
These shepherds were surely among the weary souls who waited through 400 years of silence between the prophet Malachi’s last words and Matthew’s account of the gospel of Jesus Christ found in the scriptures. When they finally heard the Good News, the shepherds ran to Bethlehem to see the child. After the shepherds saw Jesus (the Redeemer for all humankind) with their own eyes, they are compelled to tell others the redemption story.
Let’s remember Ruth, who also took a bold step toward Bethlehem to follow Naomi. On the road to Bethlehem, Ruth’s life was transformed. In Hebrew, Bethlehem means the “house of bread”—a symbol of provision. Ruth didn’t know it at the time, but trusting in Yahweh, Naomi’s God on the road to Bethlehem meant walking toward provision, freedom, and eventually redemption for both her and Naomi.
Christians traditionally celebrate Epiphany on January 6, which marks the end of the Christmastide season. We remember the kings, who brought gifts to honor the Christ child and also bore witness to His majesty as the shepherds did. Our Latino friends call it “Día de los Reyes” and feast on a traditional sweet bread or cake with gifts for the kids.
Jesus Christ is the Messiah, our Redeemer, the Prince of Peace – not just because he was born in a manger, but because he was willing to embrace his assignment at the cross. Joy is born out of grief. Life meets death in an innocent, perfect baby prophesied about hundreds of years earlier. New life bursts from horrific death like a candle lit in the darkness in the thick of winter.
God showed me his abundant kindness on the gritty trail of my life. After my husband Ericlee’s death, my daughters and I had to traverse a valley of grief, but then we also experienced some wild “just-so-happened” circumstances. God brought us through grief into a glory story with my second husband, Shawn, who was a long-time friend of my first husband and became our family redeemer.
Shawn and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage on Jan. 16. It’s hard to believe we have tasted a decade of our next chapter – a regeneration in our family tree. I’ve found that joy is frequently magnified like a sunset glowing against a landscape of grief. Of course, all our stories are unique, but one thing is sure: God is weaving a thread of redemption through every one of them.
This is an epiphany for us all.
Glory recommendations
Each week I like to share links to some of my own work or resources that are inspiring me and my family to chase after God’s glory! Here are five for you to check out this week:
Are you looking for a Bible study for your small group, women’s Bible study, or for personal use in the new year? My new study, Redeemer, is a six-week Bible study that invites you to view the book of Ruth as more than a Hallmark-tinted story, but rather as a story that proclaims God’s heart for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, immigrants, refugees, and the poor. As Ruth’s story unfolds, we discover that God is the main character and that he is the true Redeemer, for Ruth and for us today. The workbook includes links to weekly video teachings, a music playlist, and visio divina art practice. I’m also booking speaking events and retreats on this theme in 2026. I would love to add your church retreat, women’s event or child’s school to my event calendar. Let’s connect if you’re interested!
Sometimes the beginning of the year can feel overwhelming and noisy. That’s why I’m chucking the resolutions and hosting a more soulful party to help you choose one word to focus your spiritual practices throughout 2026! Join me for an interactive webinar on Jan. 16 on “how to choose your word” coupled with a time of devotion, reflection, and group prayer.
Looking for a fun way to spend those Christmas gift cards? Our nephew and his wife introduced us to this fun new game and we played it with all generations in our family. It’s our new favorite! If you like music, Hitster is a winner!
Are you hoping to move your body more in 2026? Whether you are a walker or runner, you can join our 26 Tips in '26 to Better Running series! Receive actionable tips for the next 26 days that you can apply to your running and life. If you want to be a better runner (or walker), it happens one step at a time. My hubby-coach Shawn and I put this special series to encourage you and cheer you on while inspiring you at a soul level.
Do you need a little encouragement as you are heading into this new year? I had the privilege of preaching from Genesis 16 for this study on “Knowing God.” I hope this passage in scripture about Hagar meeting with El Roi, The God Who Sees, will meet you today. You are not alone, my friend.
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So beautifully written, Dorina. And thank you for including a wedding photo. It doesn’t seem possible it’s been a decade already for you and Shawn. And I love how you continue to honor Ericlee’s memory in your marriage and covenant of family life.
Thank you for sharing transparently about your grief into a glory story. In my family some of the “just-so-happened” events are my Oma coming to Switzerland to be a governess and meeting my Opa. Then my Dad was born during WW2. I think he was a bright spot in trying times. He later traveled to South America on a cruise and met a couple from America. The man sponsored people to work for a 2 year period. My Dad had a dream to work and live in America. After several years in PA, he was about to go back home, and then he met my Mom!