Epiphany
“When they saw the star had stopped, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and worshipped him.” The Gospel According to St. Matthew, chapter 2.
“I never made one of my discoveries through the process of rational thinking.” Einstein
Today is Epiphany, a Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “revelation”. It is applied to the Magi “discovering” the divinity of God’s Son revealed to them. One of the oldest celebrations in Christianity, dating back to the 3rd century, it marks the visit of the Magi to Jesus and the Holy Family. There are quite a few misconceptions surrounding this festival. For example, Jesus was NOT an infant when they arrived, most likely he was well over a year old. There were probably more than three wise men, and we don’t know what their names were or where they were from. However, one thing is certain: It is celebrated on the twelfth day after Christmas, and was traditionally the day that gifts were exchanged. This was to commemorate the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh presented by the Magi.
I had an epiphany this morning during my quiet time; it was that we all need to experience our own personal Good Friday (meaning our own death to self), in order to also fully experience Easter Sunday (indicating our new life that we are meant to live). I also received a couple of gifts: Coffee and a delicious chocolate donut. Seriously! Let me tell you how it happened.
Most mornings I take a walk. From my home in the small town of Allenspark, CO I have easy access to hiking trails. However we’ve been getting snow. LOTS of it! There was easily over a foot of snow on the ground this morning. I had to shovel my way out of the house, and then shovel off my car—not that I could go anywhere! The roads had not been plowed, so it made for a challenging walk! Rather than going on a trail—I REALLY need to get snowshoes—I walked down the snow-covered road to a small convenience store located about a mile away. It was SUCH a lovely walk! So silent. So white. So still. So peaceful! Nothing and no one was moving! But it was cold! And by the time I got to the store so was I! Jane was just opening when I arrived. I asked her if she had the coffee ready. Indeed she had! So I stepped in and poured a cup. And there, not far from the coffee, were the donuts! Like the Star that beckoned to the Magi, leading them to Bethlehem, so too those donuts were calling to me! I couldn’t resist, so I took one! Walking over to the counter intending to pay, Jane told me, “Those are on the house. Anyone out in this weather deserves a treat!” What a way to start my day! I tarried there talking to Jane while warming up and relishing this minor morning miracle.
Not only was I the fortunate and grateful recipient of these gifts bestowed, but I also had yet ANOTHER epiphany. It was the kindness and graciousness of another person extended to me. What a pleasant surprise! I rejoiced with exceedingly great joy!
We experience surprises every day. Sometimes they are welcomed, sometimes not. Sometimes they are big ones, sometimes small. Sometimes we recognize them, sometimes we don’t. These surprises are in keeping with the spirit of Epiphany, for I’m certain the Magi were also surprised to find the “One born King of the Jews” in the place that they did. Perhaps even more surprising to them was the transformative effect this manifestation had on their lives! What transformational effect has God had on ours?
Though celebrated only one day a year, we can experience Epiphanies every day of our lives. If we are attentive and aware we will see the gifts of God that sometimes come in very small packages, just as Jesus did. And we can be grateful for these gifts, and inspired to pass on gifts of grace to others, so that they also might rejoice—even just a little!
A very blessed Epiphany to you!