This is the season in the Christian church when we celebrate the coming of the Wise Men to see Jesus in Bethlehem. The Wise Men were guided by God through the means of a star in the heavens.
During this whole season of the Epiphany we talk about light coming upon the world. This light is the light of Christ. What are we to do about this light of Christ that we are given? In Isaiah, we read, Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1 (NRSV). God sends us light and we are to respond to it by rising up and cultivating the talents we have been given to the glory of God.
The Wise Men came to Christ over 2000 years ago; but God continues to give us epiphanies today. We need to be observant of the hints of His glory, giving thanks for these bright spots in our lives.
Since November, we have received a tremendous amount of snow and the grey and short days can be disheartening. But there are uplifting moments in our gloomy winter days, if only we will see them. The other day, I saw a bright red bird on the snow pecking at the seed under the bird feeder. The red was startling against the pure white snow and my spirit was uplifted. This Pine Grosbeak, for that is what it was, does not usually come this far south—it is a northern bird, though I have seen it once before in the summertime. A gift of joy was given to me that day and I gave thanks to God for this blessing.
The days are getting longer, too, giving us hope that spring will come again, and life will return to the earth and to our spirits. It is probably no coincidence that the church proclaimed this time of returning light to be the season of Epiphany in the church calendar, with its emphasis on the light of Christ.
The Wise Men brought gifts of myrrh, frankincense, and gold to Christ. What gifts will we bring? The drummer boy of song brought his expertise in drumming; I want to improve my writing talent and find new ways to glorify God through my writing. What talent will you use to proclaim God’s glory to others?
© Judith Lawrence
www.judithlawrence.ca
Books by Judith: Glorious Autumn Days: Meditation for the Wisdom Years, and Grapes From The Vine: a book of poetry, are both available from www.lulu.com
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