Epiphany: Seeing the Light

Its no coincidence that January 6th is called the Epiphany the time when the Magi (three Wise Men) followed the bright star to Bethlehem to see the Christ child. When one considers how the word is used today to mean a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential meaning of something or an illuminating discovery or realization (http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/epiphany), the whole episode of the Magis visit to the Christ Child takes on rich meaning for us. The Star of Bethlehem drew three Wise Men to travel a great distance to worship the Christ Child. What does this beckoning Light mean for you today?

Scriptural Passages: (you can click on the links here to read the full Scriptural texts)
Isaiah 60:16 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Matthew 2:118 The visit of the Magi. John 8:12 I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. 1 John 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

Reflection:
How many times have we heard the story of the Magi following the Star in the East to find the Christ Child? Their story is told through one of the favourite Christmas carols: We three Kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar; Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star. O Star of wonder, star of night star with royal beauty bright westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy Perfect Light.

When we look closely at the story, as it is foretold in Isaiah 60, and as it is related in Matthew 2, we can see the incredible devotion and conviction of three Wise Men who travel a great distance to see for themselves this Christ Child this manifestation of God-on-earth in human form. What drove them to follow this Light? As Kings themselves, they would most certainly have known the political quagmire the birth of this new King created; yet the Magi nonetheless persevered, to offer him their most precious possessions, and to bow down and worship him, even in the face of a ruthless ruler, Herod, who knew full well the personal jeopardy this Child would have on his own political power. What these two parties shared was a common understanding from prophecy that a New King was born, and that the Star would guide them to him. What differed tremendously was their response to that Light and promise. Where the Magi responded with hearts full of devotion and humility, out of an innate certitude that this child was the One who would become ruler of all, Herod responded out of selfishness and fear, with trickery, and ultimately with tragic ruthlessness. What is it about Jesus that creates these visceral reactions? He can just as easily evoke in us a state of being unsettled, disturbed, restless, anxious even, as he can offer such peace, comfort, certainty and all encompassing love that washes over us. Perhaps you have felt both, or have seen others struggle. Why the negative reaction at all? Is it our own fight with control? A fear of letting go? An push-back to the Love so freely offered because of our own issues with selfworth? Or are we apprehensive about accepting a Love that would transform us into something so counter-culture to the world around us? Is it mistrust, that something so perfect is just too good to be true? What is true is this: that a great Light shone to guide the way for the Magi to find the Christ Child, even in the midst of Herods ruthless abuse of political power; that that Light came from God himself to announce the birth of his son, the new King of all the world; that Jesus affirmed, in his own words, that he is the Light of the world, and that whoever follows him and believes in him will have that Light dwelling within themselves. Thats quite a package. So consider: What brought you here? What promptings are you experiencing? What signs in your life are pointing the way to Jesus, the King? What distance are you willing to travel to find him and worship him? Like the Magi bringing their most precious possessions, what is the very best you have to offer to the King? What can you bring to him that will show your conviction,

your devotion, your praise? What will you do with this most precious gift of the Light that now dwells within you? Just like the Magi, our epiphany is that the Light of the World is in our midst, and the simple acceptance of that has such a profound impact in our innermost being, in our personal daily lives, in our day-to-day interactions with others, in our understanding of the world around us, and in our time of fellowship and praise together as we worship the King.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson, from her book A Return To Love. We are a reflection of the Light of the World that dwells within us. What will we do with that Light?

This Life, by MercyMe This life was meant to shine. I will lift Your name by the life I live. Every moment is a chance to let Your light break through. Hold your heads up high. This is our moment to rise. We were meant to shine, not just survive. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4xm2mtDj2c] This Little Light of Mine, by Addison Road When times get hard, don't forget whose child you are. There's a little light inside us all... let it shine. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVeB7ACVgO0]

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