Epiphany
January 7th, 2012
On January 6, Christians around the world celebrate the Feast of Lord’s Epiphany. On January 8 we enter the liturgical season of Epiphany. Epiphany means “manifestation.” To Christians, the concept of “manifestation” means that which was obscure or hidden has now become widely known or revealed.
Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, comprise a three-fold sequence of celebrations that commemorate the dawning of God’s Great Light of Life in the person of Jesus Christ. This triad celebration inaugurates the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and punctuates the new year with emphasis on the Light that has shone in the face of Jesus Christ.
In Advent, Christians look back on the first coming of the Light of the world which was shaped by the centuries old promise that God would shine in the midst of a people who walked in darkness. We now presently wait expectantly in hope for his second coming and the dawning of his glorious reign at the end of the age.
In Christmas-tide, Christians celebrate the nativity of that Great Light. All that has been promised has now come in Jesus, God’s Son. The Word of God has been made flesh and dwells among us and we behold his glory full of grace and truth. Immanuel – God with us.
In Epiphany, Christians embrace the Light that has come and anticipate divine manifestations in our daily lives.
The narratives of Christ’s life that contour the liturgical season of Epiphany are the coming of the Magi to the Christ-child, the baptism of Jesus, the miracle of water turned to wine at Cana, and the transfiguration of Jesus before his disciples. These stories flood our imagination and worldview with the knowledge that God reveals himself to his people and informs us that he is still a God of “epiphanies” - we can see glimpses of his glory in our ordinary daily lives! Therefore the season of Epiphany is marked by attentiveness as we seek and watch for encounters with God.
However, Epiphany also emphasizes witness. In Epiphany we learn that those who are enlightened by the Great Light of life go and tell others about it!
The season of Epiphany might be best summed up by the disciples’ wish to “see Jesus” (John 12:21) and by the two invitations of our Lord: “Come and see” (John 1:39) and “Go and tell” (Mark 5:14; also the commissioning of the twelve to be sent out to preach, Mark 3:14).
We understand what it means to have a “personal epiphany” - to discover clarity through a new insight or thought, or in other words, to experience an “ah-ha” moment. But in the Christian liturgical year, Christ-followers embody the season of Epiphany by our intention to see Jesus, by our attentive observation to what he reveals in our personal encounters as well as how he operates in our daily circumstances, and by our witness to others. In our personal encounters with the risen Lord of light, we see light: this is when true transformation takes place (2 Cor.3:17-18.) And, we take that which we have seen, heard, and handled and go our way telling others of the great things he has done for us!
Jesus said of himself: “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Jesus also said to us: “You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before everyone in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matt.5:14,16
Mary Oliver succinctly described Epiphany:
PAY ATTENTION
BE ASTONISHED
TELL ABOUT IT
Prayer:
Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.
Category: Messages
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