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Health & Fitness

Epiphany: A Bright Fresh New Idea

This is the time of the year that gets me down a bit.   For some it is during the holidays, but for me it is afterwards.

 

January 6 in the Christian calendar is the traditional celebration of Epiphany.  Someone unfamiliar with church lingo might wonder what in the world that is. 

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Actually, this past Sunday someone in church came up and asked that very question, “What is Epiphany?”  Initially, I stood quietly thinking about the deeper implications of the observance and then I heard myself say, “It is when the wise men arrived.”  She nodded.  Apparently, that was a good enough answer.  But somehow I felt it was more.

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Actually, it is true.  Epiphany is the day at the end of the twelve days of Christmas (remember the song?..."On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me ....") when we celebrate the arrival of the magi or the three kings.  Actually, nobody really knows how many magi there were in attendance.  It has long been thought there were three because we remember the three gifts, namely, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 

But maybe one can dig a little deeper.

 

Epiphany is also a moment of seeing things anew or differently.  It can be one of those “a-ha” moments when suddenly everything becomes clear.   It can be like the cartoon where the light bulb flashes above our head and an idea is born afresh.  Ever had a moment like that?

 

Now at my home, Epiphany is actually when all the Christmas ornaments are taken down and the artificial pre-lit Christmas tree is stored away.  I guess, this is what gets me down.  It feels like the party is over.  A party that had rapidly sneaked up on us and then went by too quickly to enjoy.  In all the hustle and bustle of getting everything ready, I failed yet again to slow down and to breathe in the very spirit of the season.  Now is the time to clean up after the big party.  I have a gut feeling I am not alone in that.

 

So now Christmas, at least at my house is boxed up and stored in the garage for another year.  Meanwhile in the stores, they removed Santa and in his place put out the candy hearts for Valentine’s Day.  Wal-Mart makes sure the holidays keep on coming.

 

But maybe I need to stop for a moment and before Valentine’s Day gets here, I need to observe a holy Epiphany.  I need to look at things in my life and in the world afresh and see things differently.  You could do the same.  In essence, that is what Jesus is about.  Through the life and teachings of Jesus, we are challenged to see all things with new eyes, gentle hearts and a loving spirit.

 

In the spirit of Epiphany, we genuinely look at each other as brother and sister regardless of labels that usually separate us.  We see anew with our hearts how we are all inter-connected and members of the same family.  Yeah! The light bulb turns on above our head and we see what a wonderful world we live in where enemies and strangers are transformed into those we love.

 

I must admit I miss already all the decorations and especially the music.  And while I will long for the twinkling lights on the tree, I can look for that "twinkle" in the eye of all I encounter.  Epiphany reminds me, can remind all of us that the Christmas Spirit really goes on.

 

Maybe a light bulb has appeared above my head and my spirits feel a bit more lifted up.  Maybe the message of Epiphany is that the Light still shines.

 

If you would ever like to talk about Epiphany and seeing the world afresh and anew, contact me.  I would be thrilled to hear from you and delighted to chat.  Or we can talk about anything on your heart or mind.  I can be reached at JonEdwin@aol.com.

 

Blessings

 

Pastor John

Imperial Beach United Methodist Church

455 Palm Avenue

 

www.IBMethodist.com

 

Sunday Worship

9AM – a 30-minute worship with Holy Communion celebrated

10:30AM- worship with Holy Communion celebrated first Sunday of the Month

Child Care provided at 10:30AM

 

9:30AM – Sunday School for elementary children

 

A Church Where All Our Hearts, Our Minds, and Our Doors Are Open.

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