Pilgrim Worship: An Epiphany Moment...

In the name of Jesus, the Light who has come to us; peace to you.  AMEN.

Each year I feel sorry for Epiphany, this often overlooked but absolutely beautiful day in the Church year.  Following the Christmas celebrations, too often we simply ignore this day.  What a shame!  Today is a perfect book-end to the Advent and Christmas seasons, a reminder of "what just happened".  You see, an epiphany is a moment of sudden revelation.  Something that is unclear, suddenly becomes clear.  Something that is hidden, suddenly becomes revealed.  Remember the angels, not even two weeks ago?  "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!"  God's long-promised Messiah has been revealed!  A promise which had been long unclear, suddenly is clear!  Now that is a great Epiphany!

But how does that epiphany, 2000+ years ago, change your life in 2023?  Consider these first few verses of the Old Testament reading assigned for this day:

OLD TESTAMENT     Isaiah 60:1–2
1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,
      and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
      and thick darkness the peoples;
   but the Lord will arise upon you,
      and His glory will be seen upon you. 

This news of darkness is not "news" for us at all.  The darkness of sin has covered the earth since Adam & Eve couldn't put down the apple.  At various times since then, evil around us might seem to have been more prominent and sometimes less so.  These days, perhaps you might conclude that evil is expanding, that the thick darkness of evil is covering all people.  But God's Word is clear:  Fear not!  Jesus defeated sin on Calvary's cross and He conquered death when He strolled out of His grave.  Immanuel is "God with us"; He is arisen and shining the light of His love and forgiveness into the darkness of your life!  

So it is my prayer, and I hope yours also, that you will see many epiphany moments in your life during this new year.  Perhaps a healing epiphany will arise over the darkness of sickness or suffering in your life.  But most importantly, pray with me that every day will be an Epiphany Day, as God's forgiveness DAILY arises and drives away the guilt and shame of our sins! 

That is the greatest Epiphany!

Peace in Jesus Christ,