Manifesting Christ To The World
I love Epiphany! If I could turn the volume up on a particular Christian holy day (holiday), I might suggest we increase the volume regarding Epiphany.
It's a tricky holiday to celebrate, however, as it falls soon after Christmas Day (and the New Year) when we are trying to get back into a rhythm after family celebrations and to welcome a new calendar year. Churches have often placed a lot of emphasis on Advent and Christmas services so Epiphany slips by without concern.
Plus, Epiphany occurs on January 6th every year, which is often not a Sunday. Churches this year might celebrate on Sunday, January 4th. But that's technically still the Christmas season. Anyway, Epiphany can be overlooked.
So, why do I love it?
Because it's a moment in the tradition when the Story turns outward, beyond ourselves. Our faith needs those moments of opening up and seeing a larger reality beyond the individual or even the tradition.
Epiphany explores the idea that the Christ child is significant beyond his family, beyond Bethlehem, beyond Judea.
Christ was born for the world, Epiphany exclaims. This child does not belong only to Christians today. The wise men from afar are drawn into the story.
Alleluia, alleluia.
We have seen his star at its rising,
and have come to pay him homage. (Matthew 2:2)
A Benediction (Or Miscellaneous Thoughts)
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