But in the church, it is more than a light bulb moment. We don't switch it on or off. It is a fabulous gift of transformation and yes, enlightenment. It is more dramatic than fireworks, for unlike the booms and pops that are whisked away on night breezes, this display of God's Light endures forever.
Epiphany refers to the manifestation and revelation of God in Christ and the call we now follow to walk in the Light, guided by the Light, reflecting the Light, leading others to the Light. "Epiphany" is the "aha!" that echoes throughout Christendom when we recognize Jesus. But wait -- let's not stop with a mere word study. Why not let the richness of that moment of the first Epiphany wash over us for a while?
Guided by the today's Gospel Lesson, dwell in the symbolism of the gifts given to the Baby Jesus in the story of the Wisemen's visit. (Matthew 2:1-12) Before you embark on the journey of the rest of 2011, take some time to see how you lay your own gifts before Christ.
Gold -- precious substance, riches. You recognize Jesus as the king of your life. How does your love and reverence for Christ move you to radical devotion. How do you offer Christ the most precious and the "best" that you have, and the "best" that you can be?
Frankincense -- the essence of prayer before God. You recognize Jesus' divinity. How does the frequency and consistency of prayer flow from your heart? It is not only the means by which you converse with God. It is also an offering of your precious time and your total attention (which is so often fleeting).
Myrrh -- the expression of suffering and sacrificial living. You recognize the pain of Jesus' life and death. You acknowledge the sacrifice of God dwelling in flesh, in the midst of the sin and darkness of the human world. You also experience the powerful companionship of Christ's radiant love and light as it meets you in your own pain, loss and sacrifice. How do your offer your own vulnerability and weakness to Jesus? How do you offer to Him your acceptance of the call to suffer on behalf of others?
All three signify your willingness to be utterly dependent upon Christ as the center of your life, the focus of all that you are and all that you do.
Linger a while with what these gifts mean. Allow your mind to be enlightened by the depth and scope of your awareness (your recognition) of Christ.
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Then, go on your way! Blessed Epiphany to you all!
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