Epiphany

Aside from Good Friday-Easter and Pentecost, Epiphany is the third oldest Christian observance. Yet, it is a Christian feast barely noticed in American society. The irony for me is that the neglect of this holy day by our society seems to make it even sweeter. On Epiphany, there aren't a lot of semi-pagan revelings. There aren't a lot of things to buy or eat. There aren't a lot of visits to relatives. So except for the usual demands of daily life, one can focus on the religious meanings of Epiphany. One can begin to focus on the various epiphanies or manifestations of Jesus the Christ. The historic associations of this feast can help us pull together thoughts about Christ's birth, His manifestation to the gentiles represented by the Magi, and the beginning of His public ministry with His baptism.

So today let us think about the manifestation of the glory of God for our salvation. Into our everyday world- a world of cold dark winter nights, of sniffles and sick children, of household chores and repairs, of the daily grind of work, of aging loved ones, of disturbing news from around the globe- into this world, God shines the glorious light of His truth, love, and grace. Whether into our private prayers, readings and contemplation or into a low-key weekday Eucharist, this same God is reaching out to manifest Himself to us. "The Lord hath manifested forth his glory; O come, let us adore him."