Epiphany, the 12 days on the other side of Christmas, commemorates the visit of the three wise men to worship the “newborn king,” Jesus. It is the time we reflect upon the glory of the promised savior now fulfilled; “…we behold his glory, the glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).All the lessons of this Epiphany season illustrate that glory; Jesus with the doctors in the Temple, Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, and Jesus healing the leper and the Centurion’s servant. These are the signs of the glory of God manifest in Jesus Christ. But, for each of us, the vision of that glory is life altering; our personal “Epiphany” transforms our life into one of service to Christ.
Os Guinness, in his book “The Call,” makes the point that it is Christ who calls us to find him. Like the magi, we too are called to worship the King. He calls us to seek His word; that we may fulfill His call whether we are called as magi, shepherd, carpenter, banker, priest, or housewife -- you get the idea. No matter what we believe is our fulfillment in life, the truth is we can have no real fulfillment unless we are called to that manger; unless we seek the caller Himself.
Jesus begins by calling the very least of us. If we heed His call, like the magi in Bethlehem, there is an Epiphany for all where his glory shines, and there we make our gifts of adoration.
I didn’t bring up resolutions, but I will say this; if you are going to make any this year, make your own winter journey to Christ. Answer the call of God incarnate laying in a manger in Bethlehem. Adore him there. Seek the Glory of Christmas in your life. I assure you, you will not return unchanged!
Be One Whom Is Called,
Bishop Ian
