(Picture: The Adoration of the Magi by Edward Burne-Jones (1904))
Welcome back!
I hope you had a meaningful and refreshing Christmas break!
Today, we enter the church calendar season of Epiphany which means ‘manifestation’ or ‘revealing.’ We journey with Jesus from the manger to His visit by the Magi where His kingship is first celebrated. Jesus, who came in such a subtle and hidden way, begins to be seen by others for who He is.
And who are those who ‘get Him’, who catch a glimpse of His glory?
Poor sheep-watchers and pagan Wise men.
Although Jesus came with His majesty hidden, it begins to be discovered – we see it at His baptism, in His miracles, His teaching, the transfiguration, and His resurrection. His dynamic power to heal and liberate is unleashed as He puts His tender hands on the sick. His unshakable authority sends demons fleeing and defeats death by dying, leading us into resurrection life.
And so in this season, while the virgin birth is behind us, I invite us enter the season of Epiphany – to pray for eyes to see Jesus for who He really is.
In this season, how might we learn from the marginalized of our day how they see Jesus? Perhaps, we could spend time in our favorite gospel Scriptures in which Jesus’ power and deity is so clear. Lastly, I encourage us to ponder how God has been showing Himself to you in your own life. Where are your personal epiphanies of Jesus?
May we all have eyes to see Jesus as the One who came (and comes) to us in all our brokenness that all we might become one with Him in fullness of life!