Epiphany

Today, January 6, is Epiphany.  In Church tradition, this is the day in which we remember the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.  It is the day we remember that a light in the sky led them to the Light of the World.  Coming from a non-Jewish tradition, they recognized the Messiah - the Chosen One - who had come into the world.

To be honest, Epiphany wasn't on my radar as I was growing up.  I might have heard the word before I got to seminary, but I can't swear to that.  Over the years, however, this holiday has become increasingly significant for me and for my family.  First, this is the day we traditionally take down our Christmas tree.  Oh, I know that's counter-cultural to leave it up this long, but we always have tried to observe and honor the fact that Christmas for the Church really is a 12-day celebration.  So, now that Christmas is officially over, our tree comes down.  (In fact, my wife,

Caroline, is packing up the ornaments as I finish writing this!  Thankfully, she really does love doing that.  God bless her; I love that woman!)  Second, we closed the Christmas holiday season with a Twelfth Night Party at our home last night.  Family, friends, and neighbors graciously responded to the invitation to spend part of an evening together, sharing good food and even better company with each other.  Epiphany is the marker for the 12th night, or Epiphany Eve if you will.

Epiphany often gets me thinking about what gifts I bring to Christ... where and how I recognize his presence in the world and in my life... or where and how I miss seeing the light that he brings to me and to others.

Long ago I bookmarked a webpage that offers a daily devotional from the Christian community in Iona, off the coast of Scotland.  Recently, this was in the day's offering for reflection and prayer:

"Lord of the excluded, open my ears to those I would prefer not to hear;

open my life to those I would prefer not to know;

open my heart to those I would prefer not to love;

and so open my eyes to see where I exclude you."

As I begin this new year, my prayer is that I may be ever more attentive to the presence of Jesus... lest I somehow exclude him.

Blessings and peace,

Steve