Dear HBIC Family,

One of the greatest Philadelphia traditions is the New Year’s Day Mummer’s Parade. This event marks the end of the winter holiday season, and is culminated by South Philadelphia clubhouses who go all out with colorful costumes, eclectic performance routines, and floats or movable scenery. As a kid, this was both fascinating and foreign, but it grew more and more familiar as each year went by.

The Mummers were my first introduction to miming. The performances, though elaborate and sometimes very loud, didn’t necessarily depend on dialogue or even include people speaking at all. What’s fascinating is that the performers tend to follow the leader. If you’re lucky, they’ll even mimic you. It was always fun to see it all coming together.

It is this very ancient idea of miming that is foundational to understanding Ephesians 5. Paul uses the Greek word mimētēs to begin the chapter. In calling us to follow God’s example, Paul essentially says we ought to mime. We are called to follow the leader and do as God does. And what has God done? Christ has loved us, gave himself up for us, and offered himself as an offering and sacrifice to God. 

This week as we continue our In Christ series, we will be focusing on how the new humanity that Jesus ushers in differs from the old. As you prepare for this week’s services, I would like to invite you to read and meditate on the passage, Ephesians 5:1-20. As you reflect, please focus on the following questions:

• What does following Christ look like in your life?
• How are you currently walking in love with the people in your life?
• How have you grown to better reflect the new humanity and family of God?
• What is one thing you can do today to help others and please God?
• What are ten things you are thankful to God for today?

My first understanding of following Jesus was focused on the decision I made to give my life to Christ. It evolved into being a member of God’s family. Paul further grows our understanding of following Christ by reminding us that followers follow. We must not only teach, but also implement what we learn from Christ.

In the beginning, we were created together in the image of God. In Christ, we are called together in this new humanity. And in this new humanity, the redeemed are called to imitate and act like Christ our Lord. The ancients understood that to follow their God was to imitate their God. Sisters and brothers, our call to live and love like Christ lived and loved is how God brings our light into our dark world. It is how we join with the Spirit in work for the kingdom, and it is how we truly follow our God. 

God bless you all.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Ephesians 5:1-2)