The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2)

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).

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Christmas is over and Epiphany has come. Traditionally, the first day of Epiphany is called “Three Kings Day”, as this season is a celebration of Jesus’ revelation to the gentiles, a revelation aptly seen in the visitation of the Magi. Two other events from the life of Jesus are also celebrated during this season, his baptism and transfiguration. In his baptism the voice of God proclaimed “this is my beloved Son”, and in transfiguration his face shone like the Sun, and in both of these events the hidden identity of Jesus was manifested for a few blessed witnesses.

In reflecting on this season, I’d say that Epiphany is more than just a celebration of previous manifestations, but also of the manifestations that continue to happen in the life of the Church. The blessing that was available to few, is now available for all, as in this present age the Holy Spirit communicates the full life of Christ to all who believe. As in the life of Jesus, this communication is a hidden reality that is not seen, but accepted by faith. Also, as in the life of Christ this hidden reality will manifest itself in the life of those who live by faith.

So, ultimately, what I most want to celebrate during this season is the fact that who I have been, and who I currently am need not determine who I will become, for by faith my becoming is more a matter of who Jesus is than who I am. As Paul says in his letter to the Colossians, “God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This hope of glory is essentially about God graciously being with us and in us through Christ, and that the glory of Christ will eventually be revealed in your life, in my life, in our lives, just as it was in his.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 7th, 2008 at 12:54 am and is filed under Sacred Time. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.