Following the rush of the holiday season, an unassuming day of celebration sneaks in at the beginning of January called Epiphany. Epiphany is the Christian feast day recognizing the revelation of God made flesh and dwelling among us as Jesus who was born at Christmas. Think of it like this: Its the moment we say, Aha! God is like that.
In Jesus we see just who God is. The epiphany is that God loves us so much that it wasnt enough to create the world and watch from afar. God came to be close, to say, I love you.
The view of Gods love expands as we see Jesus life. He showed how to eat with those who had made a million unforgivable mistakes. He demonstrated how to risk reputation to show those who were sick or alone that they were not alone. With his hands he healed, and with his last breath he gave it all. Stopping at nothing to show love for you. Giving his life so that we might have ours.
Let this be an epiphany time of year. In contrast to or at least in tandem with the pull to make it a resolution time of year. Unlike setting a resolution, you cannot make yourself have an epiphany. Its a gift given, much like a babys first steps. Have you ever tried to coax a baby before the moment is right? You cant make them walk.
What eventually works is uncontrollable. They watch and learn long enough. They trust that they are safe to take risks. When the time is right, they see something exciting far enough away that it takes steps to get there. Like a babys first steps, epiphanies arrive for us just on time.
The world could use more people who have had an epiphany. People who have seen the God of love face to face and are compelled to be more like him. People taking exciting first steps in the way of peace. People making time to be with those who are hurting. People who love. People who love even those who hate them.
Theres only one way we can do these things. It isnt because were particularly good or brave. Its because in baptism, weve been born into a family of God where what we see and emulate as we grow is the grace and love of Jesus. Its because of the promise that we belong to Christ. With that security, we can be the people who give our lives away for the sake of our neighbors. Saying all along as we receive the gift of Epiphany, Aha! Thats what God is like!
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