Happy Epiphany!!

That's right, today (January 6th, I'm writing this a day early because I'm having surgery tomorrow) is Epiphany. A day when Christians celebrate the revelation of Christ Jesus in human form. Wait...wasn't that Christmas (I sense the wheels in our minds turning)? Actually, Epiphany is the day when the Church celebrates a few things related to the revelation of Jesus. The first is the revelation to the gentiles, which is represented by the visit of the Magi (wise men). The Magi coming to Christ child is a representation of the fact that this good news is for all people. For, these magi were not from Jewish decent but, were foreigners.

Another aspect of Epiphany is the revelation of Christ at his baptism. We get our word Epiphany from the Greek language where it means to show or manifest. Therefore, when Jesus is baptized his nature is shown; the identity of Jesus is revealed to the world. When Jesus comes up from the water, Heaven breaks open and the voice of God comes down and a dove descends (these are symbols of the Trinity), and Jesus is shown to be the Son of God.

A good way to think about this Epiphany is the theme that we have been talking about through Advent. This idea of Darkness to Light. Epiphany is a celebration and commemoration of the light that has come into the world to rid it of darkness. Epiphany is the day when we take the time to understand just who Jesus is and we continue to celebrate the awe inspiring mystery that is God among us.

I pray that you sense the realness of Christ; that you feel the warmth of the light of Christ wherever you are today. I pray that the revelation of God may be real to you even if it feels oh so far off. May the light of Christ Jesus shine on you this day and always. Happy Epiphany!

Grace and Peace