“Appearance” or “manifestation,” are the English words for the Koine Greek word epiphaneia, epiphany. The feast day of Epiphany is the day after the twelve days of Christmas, January 6. In the Western tradition we celebrate the Magi’s arrival, the manifestation to the non-Jewish nations, the Gentiles. In the Eastern Tradition, it commemorates Jesus’ baptism and thus His being revealed to the world. Many will also commemorate His dedication to the temple and/or His first miracle, as both commemorate Jesus’ appearance to the world. This celebration and season of the church year is important as we are looking for the manifestation of Christ.
During the season we are not looking for Christ historically, or just in our Bibles, but in our very lives. We are to seek and search our soul, our relationships, our body, and our hopes for the hand of Jesus. We will find His work and His Love. When we experience the appearance and manifestation of Jesus, we will agree with Simeon’s words in Luke 2:29-32:
“‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’”
We know that the Jesus is our Salvation and available to everyone, so let us keep our “eyes” open for His manifestation in our very lives.
Knowing Christ revealed in our lives and our church should compel us to share this news with others. I encourage everyone to share what Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “Come and See,” with friends, family, and especially the stranger. What a wonderful invitation to receive from someone who has “seen” the manifestation of God, “Come and See.”
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor J.C.
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