Ahhh … it’s over. Another Christmas has come and gone. Yes, it’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s time to take down all the Christmas decor and clean up to get ready for the New Year.
But … what about Epiphany? What? Yes, Epiphany, the approximately two-week period after Christmas when Christ was revealed to the Gentiles. This is what life is all about.
Christmas is definitely a time of celebration of our Savior’s birth. However, it did not stop with the birth of Christ. The Magi heard of Christ’s birth and came to worship him. It wasn’t just about his birth; it was the worship afterward. It was the revelation of Jesus as our king. It was the bringing of gifts to recognize who Jesus truly was. It was the beginning of what is important in life.
It is this time of year when we reflect on what Christ is to each of us. We reflect on the first time Christ was revealed to the Magi. More importantly, though, we reflect on the first time Christ was reveled to each one of us personally. We automatically think of both revelations at this time of year.
We celebrate Epiphany because it is our life. It is about a babe born in a manger and the worship of him once he was found. The Magi traveled a great distance to find him. When they found him, they brought gifts to celebrate.
When we find Christ, he brings a gift for us. We have traveled a great distance to find him. Then he brings the gift that will last a lifetime. Praise Jesus!
The Rev. Marianne Nichols is pastor of Charlottesville United Methodist Church. This column is written by local clergy members. Send comments to [email protected]
