[As previously seen on beliefnet.com] On January 6th, some Christians choose to observe Epiphany, a traditional church holiday commemorating the magi’s visit to Jesus. As believers, the concept of epiphany could also take on a larger context, one that lasts throughout the year.
The word epiphany loosely means “a revelation”, making it a fitting name for the time when we first see Jesus revealed to the Gentiles in the Bible. Let’s take a moment to focus on the heart of the holiday, as we consider how to honor that revelation in our lives this Epiphany.
The Epiphany of Noticing
It’s fair to assume that the magi mentioned in Matthew 2 were going about their daily lives, just studying the skies and the scrolls like any other day, when they noticed a new star that they couldn’t account for. The appearance of the star meant something was different, something miraculous had happened in the middle of their mundane.
As far as we know, no one else noticed the star. It was right there, for all to see, but these men were the only ones who saw it. They knew what to expect in the skies, and this was unexpected. There, in a place that no one else chose to see, God revealed a miracle that only He could do – one that led them straight to Him. And they chose to take notice.
We know what to expect as we go about our days. This Epiphany, let’s choose to look for ways that God might be doing the unexpected, working in ways that no one else might see.
Noticing reveals God’s wonders in our daily lives.
The Epiphany of Giving
As a response, the magi traveled thousands of miles – a harrowing and unpleasant journey, no doubt – in search of the new King. Why? To worship him and present Him with valuable gifts.
Matthew 2:10 says that when the star stopped over the place where the Child was, the magi “rejoiced exceedingly, with great joy.” Picture that for a moment. In my mind, exceedingly great joy looks like a group of prim-and-proper scholars jumping, hugging, cry-laughing, maybe even dancing. The Child they’d been searching for was finally about to be revealed.
Then they enter the place, and all of that stops. An awe-filled hush falls, and they do too, hitting their knees in reverence of this King – a king they’d read about, but now were seeing with their own eyes. The King, revealed. And in response, they gave treasures. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh – valuable gifts, gifts fit for a king. The King who filled them with exceedingly great joy.
What a sweet reflection. The gift of God at Christmas followed by the giving of gifts to God at Epiphany. As we consider celebrating epiphany, perhaps it’s good to remember:
Giving reveals a heart of joyful worship to the King.
The Epiphany of Community
We’re not told much more about the magi, only that they returned to their country. But when they got back, I’m sure they had some stories to tell the others in their community. They’d want to reveal that they just met the Messiah!
The assumption that they would spread the news of Jesus is a good reminder that community is one of the main ways that Christ is revealed to us too. 1 Corinthians 20:26-27 speaks of suffering and rejoicing with one another as the body of Christ. As we share in each other’s joys and burdens, we become His physical representatives on Earth – revealing Him both to each other and to the world around us.
In a world that is hurting, the love and support of a biblical community can make all the difference. This Epiphany, we can reveal Christ by actively participating in each other’s lives.
Community reveals Jesus at work on Earth.
Conclusion
Our Medi-Share community is a special place where all three of these “epiphany” practices can be seen. Through our prayer ministry, we notice God at work in people’s lives, and we get to take note of miracles that others may not be able to see. In our Extra Blessings program, giving reveals a heart of joy and worship that creates “exceedingly great” ripple effects. And our community of sharing actively supports each other’s burdens, financially and spiritually.
Whether or not you observe the holiday of Epiphany, let’s honor the revelation of Jesus through noticing everyday wonders, giving with great joy, and participating in biblical community. What an epiphany!
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