After listening to the king, they (the Wise Men) went on their way. And
behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it
came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star,
they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
Matthew 2:9-10
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The definition of Epiphany is (1) January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of
the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern
Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ, (2) an appearance or manifestation
especially of a divine being, (3) a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential
nature of meaning of something; an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an
event) usually simple and striking; an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure; a
revealing scene or moment.
The message of Epiphany can be interpreted in several ways, and none are right or wrong.
Some believe it is a message of faith in divine light, which guided the Magi to Bethlehem.
Others interpret it as a celebration of Jesus coming to unite the world as the true “King of kings”
and that He came to be a Savior to all people.
It is really unbelievable the deep faith that the Magi had to travel the distance that they did by
following a star. A bright star that led them to the King of all kings, the Savior of the world,
Jesus the Christ. They went to worship Him and bring gifts. And they rejoiced exceedingly with
great joy. We as God’s children, need to follow that same star. Willing to travel the distance
and worship Jesus. Bringing the gifts and talents that God has given us.
Take a moment and think about all the epiphanies that have taken place in your life. Be it big,
grand ones or maybe the little simple ones. Think about the impact that they have had on your
life and how they have changed it. Sometimes we need to take the time and really ponder that
epiphany. We have these epiphanies in our life to remind us that God is still active in our lives
and that He is watching over us. He loves us. He is our Father. We all have those “Aha”
moments, but we usually just push them to the side and go on with our merry lives. Those
“Aha” moments are little epiphanies in our lives.
One day we will experience the greatest Epiphany. That Epiphany will be the day we meet
Jesus face to face. Until that day let us follow the star. Let it bring us together to worship and
give praise to God for all that He has done for us. Let us rejoice exceedingly with great joy.
God’s Peace & Love,
Pastor Gary