DID I HAVE AN EPIPHANY YET?

By Scott Schultz, Session Elder

Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” - John 20:29 (MSG)

Epiphany: 1) January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles; 2) An appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being; 3) An illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure. 

I’ve never had an epiphany involving choirs of angels, herald trumpets, or God’s voice. I accepted Christ during an altar call with my wife, Marianne. Since then, I have felt called to serve, first (as an introvert) on the Hospitality Team. That led to opportunities to serve on several teams and ministries and each of these has shown me some small epiphanies. Jesus reminds me that one smile, greeting, or kindness can mean the world to someone who is tired and broken. I feel an epiphany of joy every time I come to church (in-person or online). It is not just the beauty of the creation or building, but the shared love and purpose of God’s children (even online). I just retired and am expecting an epiphany…maybe it’s already here and I just need to have eyes to see?

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! - Matthew 2:1-2, 10 (NLT)

The Magi went to the light and we are reminded of this every year. I love “rigging up” our Christmas lights. They’re all red/green in the front (see pic below) and mostly white/blue in the back. I hope that it gives some joy to people who drive by our home—possibly a seed of an epiphany?

Sometimes I hear silence when I am seeking an epiphany. This quote from Pastor J. D. Greaar (“When You Can’t Feel God”) brings me back to John 20:29.

“Many Christians assume that silence from Heaven means something has gone wrong, that the inability to “feel” God’s Spirit means God has turned His face away. But this is not what God’s Word tells us. His apparent silence is…an important part of how He works in our lives and grows us up into the men and women of faith He wants us to be. …He wants us to walk by faith, not by sight; walking by faith means sometimes pressing on when we can’t feel or see Him.”

Christmas music brings epiphanies of light and hope. Two of my favorites are: 

Advent has passed. The 12 Days of Christmas are over. The colorful lights will be unplugged tonight.

But The Light of the World remains! That’s the greatest Epiphany! 

1 John 1:5 (NIV) says, “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful for the light you bring to Your children and to a world in desperate need of your peace, joy, and love. Help me to shine a little bit of your light unto everyone I meet. May an epiphany of Your love, joy, and peace be my reflection of the love that you brought down in Jesus Christ. Emmanuel will remain far beyond January 6th or any Epiphany that I can sense.  I am grateful for that! In Jesus’ name, the source of all light, Amen.

 
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