The Epiphany

The star that led the Wise Men reminds us of the revealing light of Christ, and how we are called to follow the light and walk in the way of the light.  Light is specifically also associated with truth and of course with God.  So when God’s light shines, truth is revealed.  This is why the evil one walks in darkness and also why it makes sense to refer to Satan as the Father of Lies.  This makes Epiphany a great season to seek and welcome the light of Christ, turning from any shadows that may have held us in fear or kept us from being closer to the Lord.

 

It's great to start a new church season early in the New Year.  New Year’s resolutions tend to come and go, but God’s covenants and resolutions remain throughout time and seasons.  So even though it’s a good practice to ponder what you might do differently for the better in the New Year, perhaps now is also a great time to ponder what the Lord God Almighty is revealing and making manifest, both in your life and in the world this New Year.  That’s what Epiphany is all about!

 

Like the star that guided the Wise Men, God’s light illumines our path and sheds truth and clarity for us in place of shadows, darkness, and uncertainty.  Shadows don’t only come from external darkness.  We ourselves cast shadows too.  But our shadows are not our true selves, only distortions.  So may God illumine our way, even when it’s our own shadow that casts darkness.

 

Remember in both light and dark times that you are a precious child of God, called as a child of light to walk in the light.  God already knows all our shadows, even the ones we hide from ourselves…and God loves us, shadows and all.  So let’s seek the revealing light of our Lord Jesus Christ together this Epiphany, and ask God to take away the darkened shadows both out in the world and in our hearts, to live more fully in the truth and light of God’s Word.

 

May God’s light illumine your way this New Year!

 

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Mark