After all the flourishes and flounces of Christmas and New Year’s Day, I need some ordinary time! How about you? The decorations are almost all put away, cleaning has begun and it’s time for thinking about what’s next. What does God have in store for me this new year? How will he lead me this year? What encounters will I have that demonstrate his activity in my life? How will God manifest himself in this next season of life?
The word ‘Epiphany’ means manifestation. God has come. He came as a baby, born just like any other baby who has been born. But, this baby was both God and human. It is one of the mysteries of faith!
Epiphany celebrates not only the birth of Jesus but the magi who came to worship him and bring extraordinary significant gifts. Who were these people that traveled a long distance to find Messiah? What were they expecting to find? How would they be impacted by what they found?
Epiphany points us to Mary and Joseph presenting or dedicating, Jesus in the temple and the encounters with Simeon and Anna, who were awaiting the Messiah (Luke 2:21-40). Can you even imagine the joy these two people felt?
Epiphany also reminds us of the story of Jesus' first miracle at Cana and turning the water into wine. These events are just a few of the manifestations of God into human experience as Jesus grew and began his earthly ministry. Put yourself into this story. How would you react?
These manifestations or epiphanies tell us more of the story of God and his desire to draw us into his story. The fulfillment of Messiah has come and impacts each of us today!
After Epiphany comes a brief Ordinary Time, part 2. During this season the focus is on the ministry of Jesus – his baptism and miracles. How do these signs and wonders impact us today? Do we look for signs in our daily lives?
Do you remember your baptism? I do! And I think about it every time I witness baptism in church. Jesus was baptized by his cousin John and the Holy Spirit descended and a voice from heaven rang out “This is my Son, whom I love…”(Matthew 3:17). Baptism is both a sign and a symbol of God at work. Being washed by water is cleansing. Jesus was baptized to demonstrate what this new life is like. When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit permeated him. Baptism is a symbol of shedding off sin and taking on a new life. When we recognize that we are sinners, confess and invite Jesus into our lives the Holy Spirit fills us. It is another mystery that is often difficult to explain and understand! But isn’t it wonderful at the same time? When I witness the baptism of a child or even an adult I am once again reminded of my own baptism and the decision I made as a young child to follow Jesus.
So how do we expect God to manifest himself to us this year? My prayer is to be vigilant in seeking him. God manifests himself in small ways and in big ways. We do need to desire to see and be on the watch.
I’ve asked a lot of questions in this post, and perhaps they are some of your questions as well. You may have others that come to mind. God is not afraid of us asking questions. In fact, asking is a way of seeking and desiring to know more. This year I want to be a deeper seeker and follower of Jesus, my Messiah!
Here is a link to a very special song, “Wise Men Still Seek Him”. I have had the privilege to sing it many, many times and record it with the Gary Bonner Singers. May it inspire you, too!
Shalom!
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