Epiphany

If you have been with us the past couple of Sundays, you'll maybe recall that we are in the season of Epiphany.  While I could go on about the importance of the church year in that it gives validity to the cycles of our own lives and all the while ever pointing us back to God, I will spare you (for now).  But I do want to spotlight the season in which we currently find ourselves: Epiphany.

Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 which keen observers will note is 12 days after Christmas (are any Christmas songs coming to mind?).  The coming of the Magi is almost exclusively associated with Epiphany.  And yet, within the season of Epiphany (which stretches to Feb. 8 this year) we also celebrate The Baptism of our Lord and the beginning of Jesus' ministry (although we will be following different readings this year).  

The whole point of Epiphany goes beyond just the Wisemen coming to give Jesus gifts.  During Epiphany, we celebrate Jesus made flesh; His coming to the world in such a unique way that God is making Himself known to us.  We celebrate Jesus' teaching and ministry in and to the world; as Jesus comes as the light of the world.  

Perhaps you're thinking, 'isn't that what Advent and Christmas is all about?'  Well, yes it is.  But, Epiphany acts as a transition period between our celebration of Jesus' birth and His journey (Lent) to the cross.  Epiphany emphasizes the humanness of our God ministering, healing, teaching, walking with His people.  We are called to grapple with what it means that our God has been made present in the world announcing to it (and us) healing, forgiveness, and life.  

May the light of Christ brightly shine on you this Epiphany as you encounter the Living Light and Truth for our world!  

---

Picture: Epiphany Mosaic at Lady Chapel in Westminster Cathedral.  Used under Creative Commons: source:   No changes made  https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/5145357185/in/photolist-5Ph6oy-8QFiqV-AwcwA-oWZGnn-pBivsD-4PvaQL-9dyimw-pBiuvD-4iYeXs-iYZJbR-j5CxEE-96JQxf-iXFcoR-dJrzyz-o2EiF9-4iWG6A-69QzGG-6JPX5e-iYAyf4-mCtyAB-kZokA9-6ikr7i-e9d9tk-LD7fi-eBG5Gd-5enJtD-7tcrZm-iYuVfA-prHrMm-j1y1Gs-jUYo6Z-qGWL5z-8bSVwZ-9oCAGM-5uN85b-4NzWye-dJayLx-j5zGSa-4pB7dG-97FVJk-eXAqFT-dJiThu-iurz8V-f5sM9x-6cA6Ly-dJbNUR-iWu1Zc-5ReckR-dUaem9-evEtf4/