When was the last time you experienced an “epiphany?” Before you answer, know this is a trick question of sorts. You see, yesterday was Epiphany in the church year, so technically we all experienced an epiphany yesterday, or on Thursday, January 6.
The word epiphany actually means manifestation, realization, or a moment of clarity. Some would say the word means an unveiling or a disclosure. In some Christian traditions Epiphany centers around the coming of the Wise Men and their seeing this “new” king they were searching for. Another tradition in the Christian faith focuses on Jesus’ baptism and the moment when Jesus came up from the water. In that moment the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove and there was a voice from heaven that was heard to say, “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.” This was the manifestation or unveiling of who Jesus was to the world.
Unfortunately, too often, Epiphany is seen as a once-a-year kind of thing. It happens every year on January 6, we sing an appropriate hymn or two, there might be a scripture about the Light coming into the world or Jesus’ baptism read, and then we quickly move on. But the intention of Epiphany is that one is never quite the same because of the experience. An epiphany provides insight, clarity, a sense of new direction, and even a new understanding for one’s life. Consider the Wise Men. The story in Matthew tells us that the experience of finding/seeing the Christ Child brought clarity to their lives in that they knew not to trust Herod or his motives. Thus, they returned to their homeland without notifying Herod of where they found the newborn king. And of course, the unveiling that took place at Jesus’ baptism touched John the Baptist and the world in ways we are still coming to understand.
The real intention of the word Epiphany for our lives and our faith, is that it is an ongoing experience. Epiphany is something that continues to impact our lives as we understand in new ways who Jesus was and is, and how Jesus’ love and life continues to touch our world.
Just this morning in my personal Bible reading time I read a passage in Matthew 17 telling of the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-13). In that moment the disciples who were with Jesus were totally taken by surprise, were confused about what was going on, and gained new insight into who Jesus was. In fact, as much as the disciples thought they understood Jesus, the Gospel stories are quite clear, they really didn’t. Even up through the resurrection and then when Jesus was taken up into heaven, it is clear the disciples were still growing in their understanding of who Jesus was and is, and how that shapes reality.
I have a hunch that too often we, or should I say “I,” am much like the disciples. I think I’ve got Jesus figured out. I’ve got Jesus in my little box of understanding, and that’s good enough, right?! But the truth is, Jesus is constantly breaking out of boxes. My prayer for the coming year is, “God, let me have an epiphany with Jesus today!” Seriously praying this prayer is likely to change a person’s life in ways that are hard to imagine today but can and will bring new clarity and hope for the future! Are you game?? Let’s pray this prayer several times each week in 2022 and see how Jesus shows up. God, let me have an epiphany with Jesus today!
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith