A few years ago I introduced our congregation to the tradition of picking a ‘star word’ to start the new year as part of our celebration of Epiphany. This practice helps guide participants spiritually throughout the year through meditation and prayer, reflection, and further exploration of how this word is present in your life. It also allows us to focus on how God is guiding us in the new year and change our perspective on new ways God is speaking to us.
The word epiphany comes from the Greek word ‘epiphaneia’, which means appearance or manifestation and relates to a moment of sudden understanding or consciousness to something very important. In the Bible, Epiphany refers to the manifestation of Christ to the world. It follows the journey of the Three Wise Men, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar as they follow the star in search of Jesus. When they find Jesus they honor him as a king. Through the Wise Men, the world is given a glimpse of the glory of God and the world was changed forever. This glimpse is a gift for us as well; a calling to actively open ourselves to God. According to Pope Francis, “Like the Magi, may we also journey and be attentive, and untiring and courageous on the path to find the invisible God who was born among us.”
As a pastor, one major challenge is finding a way to bring the magic, wonder, and excitement of the season with us after Christmas day. Our congregation celebrates Christmas well. We give abundantly to those in need, we celebrate with music and fellowship, and we worship with joyful hearts…but when the long, cold nights of January sets in, the excitement dims a bit. Thankfully, we have Epiphany to remind us that the celebration of the Christ child doesn’t end on December 25th. Billy Graham proclaims this by stating “Don’t leave Jesus in the manger; don’t remember Him only at Christmas. Instead, learn to walk with Him every day, as you pray and read His Word and ask Him to help you”.
The true purpose of Epiphany is not only to experience the presence of God in our lives but also to reflect it so others can understand the hope, peace, joy, and love of God through you. For in Isaiah 60 verses 1 and 2, the prophet proclaims:
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
2 For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the LORD will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
How will you start the new year? What words will guide you on your journey with God? And more importantly, what can we do together to reflect the light of God so all may know his love.
Happy New Year and God bless!
Rev. Julie Sterling