Welcome to Epiphany. Epiphany literally means “an appearance,” the manifestation or showing forth of something. Since this “epiphany” happens right after Christmas, this something is a some ONE. We celebrate the manifestation of God as a human being. As with the Magi (the Wise Men), we marvel in the miracle of how the Son of God, Jesus Himself, was born in that – the light of His salvation would shine into the whole world, and from you and me.
The journey undertaken by the Magi, in following the star, truly illustrates the journey we all need to travel. It is the journey travelled to the very depths of our soul – in that we would have our own epiphany. This insight or realization (1) corrects or further defines how we follow the light of our Savior, and (2) blesses us to reflect the light of God’s grace and mercy to any who are dwelling in darkness.
First of all, we personalize our unworthiness as with John the Baptist. The gifting of prophecy blessed him with an other-worldly sense. He sees Jesus other than the likes of the people he met in the waters of the Jordan. He knew without a doubt. He senses the dramatic contrast. He is outranked and honourably so, and tries to deter Jesus from being baptized. “I need to be baptized by You, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14)
John expresses his unworthiness. He sees himself unfit to baptize Jesus, let alone stand before him. Have you ever felt that you were not good enough? Unqualified? Unfit? We resonate well with what John is feeling. But then, to fulfill the righteousness that would bless us, John consents to baptize Jesus, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Jesus ties Himself to us in this baptism. He takes on all of our darkness, only to obliterate it all – in the light of His redeeming mercy. Enlightened with grace we then reflect the light of His love. As we hear from the prophet Isaiah: “I will make you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth (Isaiah 49:6).” So, how is this going to happen?
Did you grow up watching Sesame Street? You may not have known him by name, but one of the adults on the show was Bob McGrath. On December 5th he passed away at the age of 90. Of all that he did on Sesame Street, he’s known for one song. This one: “Who are the people in your neighborhood? In your neigborhood? In your neighborhood? Say, who are the people in your neighborhood? The people that you meet each day.”
I hope I rekindled a memory. Consider all the people you relate to each day or during your week – in your neighborhood.
The point being, Jesus died for the whole world. God also desires all people to be saved. Then, through Jesus, the Holy Spirit is already present and going before you (and into) the lives of all the people in your “neighborhood.” The Holy Spirit has worked through others to care, support, guide, and nurture saving faith in Jesus. So, that means you are a part of God’s seamless epiphany bringing His light of love to a coworker, a neighbor, a client, a pharmacist, a mechanic, a student, or a veterinarian. You are a part of a seamless train of brothers and sisters in Christ, positioned in time and place to intersect the life of some “one” who needs Jesus.
Our epiphany is not about ‘doing,’ it’s about ‘being.’ It’s about being saved. Being forgiven. Being at peace. And, being restored in a living relationship with our ever-present loving God and Savior. •
— By Pastor Neil Stern
Grace Lutheran Church, Edmonton AB