Have you ever had an “epiphany”? Maybe you were thinking about a problem, or maybe you saw something that just wasn’t right, and then, bang, inspiration hit! Epiphany is not a word we use a lot in our language, but it is one that has been very important in the life of the church.
Yesterday was Epiphany Sunday, and tomorrow, Jan. 6, is Epiphany, a time when we celebrate that Jesus came for both the Jews and the Gentiles. Epiphany was one of the original big three holidays in the Christian faith, alongside Easter and Pentecost.
What about Christmas? It came a bit later.
Epiphany helps us celebrate that God’s plan is not just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles. The fact that Jesus came for all people is evident in our reading for today, when we encounter the visitors from the East.
They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him (Matthew 2:11a).
This Good News of Jesus is for all people, not just a chosen few. And this is what we celebrate on Epiphany, the fact that Jesus the Messiah was born for all of God’s children.
Epiphany reminds us that we, too, are called to live this Good News out. We celebrate Epiphany because it breaks down the walls of “us versus them,” and shows us that Jesus was a gift to all who believe. We are to share God’s love with all people, whether we see eye to eye with them or not. This can be very difficult at times, but through Christ, all things are possible. Loving others is what Epiphany is all about.
Reflection:
- Can you think of a time when you experienced an “epiphany” or moment of sudden clarity? How did it change the way you thought or acted afterward?
- What does the message of Epiphany—that Jesus came for all people—challenge or affirm the way you view people who are different from you?
- How can you live out the spirit of Epiphany by sharing God’s love and breaking down “us versus them” attitudes in your everyday life?