{"id":12331,"date":"2024-12-31T11:42:21","date_gmt":"2024-12-31T16:42:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/christnewstoday\/?p=12331"},"modified":"2024-12-31T11:42:21","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T16:42:21","slug":"3-revelations-for-epiphany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/christnewstoday\/2024\/12\/3-revelations-for-epiphany.html","title":{"rendered":"3 Revelations For Epiphany"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On January 6th<\/sup>, some Christians choose to observe Epiphany, a traditional church holiday commemorating the magi\u2019s visit to Jesus. As believers, the concept of epiphany could also take on a larger context, one that lasts throughout the year.<\/p>\n

The word epiphany loosely means \u201ca revelation\u201d, making it a fitting name for the time when we first see Jesus revealed to the Gentiles in the Bible. Let\u2019s take a moment to focus on the heart of the holiday, as we consider how to honor that revelation in our lives this Epiphany.<\/p>\n

The Epiphany of Noticing<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s fair to assume that the magi mentioned in Matthew 2 were going about their daily lives, just studying the skies and the scrolls like any other day, when they noticed a new star that they couldn\u2019t account for. The appearance of the star meant something was different; something miraculous had happened in the middle of their mundane.<\/p>\n

As far as we know, no one else noticed the star. It was right there for all to see, but these men were the only ones who saw it. They knew what to expect in the skies, and this was unexpected. There, in a place that no one else chose to see, God revealed a miracle that only He could do \u2013 one that led them straight to Him. And they chose to take notice.<\/p>\n

We know what to expect as we go about our days. This Epiphany, let\u2019s choose to look for ways that God might be doing the unexpected, working in ways that no one else might see.<\/p>\n

The Epiphany of Giving<\/h3>\n

As a response, the magi traveled thousands of miles \u2013 a harrowing and unpleasant journey, no doubt \u2013 in search of the new King. Why? To worship him and present Him with valuable gifts.<\/p>\n

Matthew 2:10 says that when the star stopped over the place where the Child was, the magi \u201crejoiced exceedingly, with great joy.\u201d Picture that for a moment. In my mind, exceedingly great joy looks like a group of prim-and-proper scholars jumping, hugging, cry-laughing, and maybe even dancing. The Child they\u2019d been searching for was finally about to be revealed.<\/p>\n

Then they enter the place, and all of that stops. An awe-filled hush falls, and they do too, hitting their knees in reverence of this King \u2013 a king they\u2019d read about but now were seeing with their own eyes. The King, revealed. And in response, they gave treasures. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh \u2013 valuable gifts, gifts fit for a king. The King who filled them with exceedingly great joy.<\/p>\n

What a sweet reflection! The gift\u00a0of<\/em>\u00a0God at Christmas is followed by the giving of gifts\u00a0to<\/em> God at Epiphany. As we consider celebrating Epiphany, perhaps it\u2019s good to remember that giving<\/span>\u00a0reveals a heart of joyful worship to the King.<\/p>\n

The Epiphany of Community<\/h3>\n

We\u2019re not told much more about the magi, only that they returned to their country. But when they got back, I\u2019m sure they had some stories to tell the others in their community. They\u2019d want to reveal that they just met the Messiah!<\/p>\n

The assumption that they would spread the news of Jesus is a good reminder that community is one of the main ways that Christ is revealed to us, too. 1 Corinthians 20:26-27 speaks of suffering and rejoicing with one another as the body of Christ. As we share in each other\u2019s joys and burdens, we become His physical representatives on Earth \u2013 revealing Him both to each other and to the world around us.<\/p>\n

In a hurting world, the love and support of a biblical community can make all the difference. This Epiphany, we can reveal Christ by actively participating in each other\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n

Community reveals Jesus at work on Earth.<\/p>\n

I am part of the Christian healthcare sharing community Medi-Share, and I\u2019ve found this to be a special place where all three of these \u201cepiphany\u201d practices can be seen. Through our prayer ministry, we notice God at work in people\u2019s lives, and we get to take note of miracles that others may not be able to see. We have a program called Extra Blessings, which provides an opportunity for giving, revealing a heart of joy and worship that creates \u201cexceedingly great\u201d ripple effects. Our community of sharing actively supports each other\u2019s burdens, financially and spiritually.<\/p>\n

Whether or not you observe the holiday of Epiphany, let\u2019s honor the revelation of Jesus through noticing everyday wonders, giving with great joy, and participating in Biblical community. What an epiphany!<\/p>\n

Melissa Richeson<\/em><\/strong> is a freelance writer and editor for <\/em>Medi-Share<\/em><\/a>, based in Central Florida. Her work has been featured in places like <\/em>The Washington Post, Florida Today, Sunlight Press, BiggerPockets Wealth Magazine, WDW Magazine, and many other outlets. As a Medi-Share member, she shares regularly about her positive CCM experience over the past decade. Melissa can often be found in real life at the beach, or virtually on her <\/em>freelance website<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On January 6th, some Christians choose to observe Epiphany, a traditional church holiday commemorating the magi\u2019s visit to Jesus. As believers, the concept of epiphany could also take on a larger context, one that lasts throughout the year. 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