Good Morning Friends,
Epiphany is coming and it marks the culmination of the Christmas season and the beginning of a new cycle in the church year. Traditionally celebrated on January 6, it is followed by weeks that focus on the manifestation of Christ’s glory in his life and ministry. The readings for Epiphany—Isaiah 60, Ephesians 3, Matthew 2, John 2, 1 John 3, and Matthew 3—invite worshipers to contemplate the themes of light, inclusion, and transformation. In worship settings, Epiphany is a time for celebration, for house blessings, and for prayers that the light of Christ would shine in homes, communities, and the world. The imagery of light and star is often incorporated into music, art, and ritual, reminding believers of the universal reach of God’s grace. The season invites congregations to focus on mission, outreach, and the call to be bearers of Christ’s light in a world that still knows darkness. Where Do We See The Light of Christ Shining In Our Darkness?
Scripture: Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Isaiah 60:1-6 (NRSV)
for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 (NRSV)
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11 (NRSV)
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
1 John 3:1-3 (NRSV)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’
Matthew 3:13-17 (NRSV)
Message: The scriptures of Epiphany are rich with imagery that speaks to the heart and imagination. Light is the dominant metaphor, symbolizing revelation, guidance, and hope. The star that leads the Magi is a sign of divine direction, a beacon that draws seekers to Christ. Water and wine at Cana represent transformation and abundance, the ordinary made extraordinary by Christ’s touch. The gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carry layers of meaning, honoring Christ as king, priest, and suffering savior. These metaphors invite us to reflect on our own journeys. Where do we see the light of Christ shining in our darkness? What stars guide us in times of uncertainty? How do we experience the abundance of God’s grace in moments of need? What gifts do we bring to Christ, and how do they reflect our worship and devotion? Epiphany is a season for paying attention—to the signs, the symbols, and the stories that reveal God’s presence in our midst. It is a time for wonder, for gratitude, and for renewed commitment to follow where the light leads. Epiphany is not only a liturgical celebration but a call to action. The themes of manifestation, inclusion, and transformation have practical implications for our lives and communities. As we reflect on the scriptures and their imagery, we are invited to consider several questions that shine a light in our darkness. Consider where the light of Christ is shining in our lives right now. Consider what areas we need to “arise and shine,” allowing God’s glory to be seen through us. Consider if we are welcoming the stranger, the seeker, the one who comes from afar as we would welcome Christ. Consider what barriers need to be broken down in our relationships, in our place of worship and in our communities. Consider what gift we each can bring to Christ. Consider how we can offer our time, talents, and resources in worship and in service. Consider how we each live our identities as beloved children of God. Consider in what ways we affirm this relationship through our choices, interactions and sense of purpose. Consider the signs of abundance and celebration in our lives. Consider how we each can cultivate joy and gratitude even in times of scarcity and challenge. Consider how we respond to divine revelation. Consider if we truly are open to being changed and embracing new directions in faith. Consider if we really are reflecting deeper about intentional living and seeking, discovering and sharing the light of the Epiphanies Christ has made possible in our lives.
And So, God provides signs as a way of saying, “This is the one I have been telling you about!!!” Friends, God is manifest with us now and forevermore. Paul captures the essence of the holiday in his letter to the Ephesians. And in 1 John we get a sense of how Christ reveals himself. Maybe now we will get the message. Maybe now we will be better prepared for a new epiphany allowing us to see Jesus at work in the world. Maybe now we will read the Bible as a light unto our path and not just for intellectual fulfillment but for a better understanding of who we are in relationship with God.
Pray we praise our radiant and gracious God for revealing His glory in the face of Jesus Christ shining light into our darkness and drawing all nations to His presence. Pray that as the Magi journeyed by faith, so we are led by the Holy Spirit, to seek, discover and adore God in every moment of our lives. Pray that we are bold enough to arise and shine and welcome all believers as heirs of the promise. Pray that we celebrate the abundance of God’s grace and live as God’s beloved children, transformed by divine love. Pray divine light dispel every shadow and fill every heart with joy. Pray divine peace unite all people in the fellowship of Christ. Pray that we are sent forth as bearers of light, ready to offer our gifts, our lives, and our love for the sake of the Kingdom. Pray the Light of the World lives and reigns in each of our hearts now and forever.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 