What is your Epiphany?

 

This Monday, January 8, 2024, allow me to stimulate some thought.

 

There has always been something special about the word “Epiphany,” what’s unique about yours?

 

This past weekend, many churches celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord.

 

Being a person of faith, I’ve learned the true meaning of Christmas and how I was taught about Three Kings Day (January 6, 2024), which marks the close of the Christmas celebration for many Christians.

 

The date January 6, 2021, three years ago, is also an epiphany.

 

It’s a date that is forever etched in my mind, just like knowing about the Three Wise Men or Magi visiting the Christ child.

 

For some, it’s a date in people’s minds as we prepare for the upcoming elections.

 

I have it front and center, knowing we have a constitution and how violated I felt on that sad day.

 

I often wonder how such a thing could happen three years ago, as the word tyranny rings loud.

 

If that happened, what else could happen today that is not already happening worldwide?

 

Nevertheless, the Epiphany or Three Kings Day, is known as people celebrate the visit of the Magi to the Christ child.

 

Without passing any judgment, I’m also aware of how any resemblance of Christmas is quickly removed shortly after Christmas Day or even before the beginning of the New Year.

 

As I ride through my neighborhood, I still see Christmas Lights shining as I smile inside.

 

I know they are doing the right thing by displaying them until the Epiphany or Three Kings Day is done.

 

I often wonder, what is it that we can’t see that others are seeing?

 

One of my epiphanies this week was the church bulletin with the caption “Wise Men Still Seek Him.”

 

As I read the church bulletin, those five words were my inspiration for today.

 

Without insulting your intelligence, I’m sure you have heard or read the story behind the three wise men or Magi.

 

However, the caption of “Wise Men Still Seek Him” gave me the epiphany that today, regardless of your faith, many do not seek him.

 

I thought about what it was that we have learned from our parents and whether it caused us to stray from our religion or decide not to seek him.

 

The other epiphany is what the three wise men saw beyond what is being written today.

 

Specifically, we hear, “Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

 

Internally, I’m celebrating being a person of faith, knowing what would have happened if the Magi had allowed King Herod to have his way.

 

There was a “Massacre of Innocents when King Herod realized the Magi outwitted him, killing all the boys two years old and under the time he had learned about the birth of Christ from the Magi.

 

Today, we all see through different lenses and have our epiphany when others threaten or feel insecure.

Matthew 2:16-18 NKJV – Massacre of the Innocents – Then Herod, – Bible Gateway

Although many don’t talk about the Massacre of the Innocents or the Insurrection that happened in the U.S. Capital on January 6, 2021; we can’t turn the clock back.

 

Furthermore, the word epiphany continues to remind me that we have many individuals committing genocides that are still happening today.

 

Read the full application bringing genocide charges against Israel at UN top court | PBS NewsHour

 

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of an epiphany has various meanings; therefore, it’s up to you to put it in context with your own thinking.

 

Epiphany Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster

 

I’d like to end on a positive note, as I’m reminded of the book “Gift of the Magi, ” which is a short story by O. Henry (Richard Foster Classics).

 

For those familiar with “Gift of the Magi” you may be able to relate to the moral of the story, married or not married.

 

Sometimes, we must have our own epiphanies to understand what’s most important to us.

 

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=the%20gift%20of%20the%20magi&mid=A14C7F11ADE2392F0A3FA14C7F11ADE2392F0A3F&ajaxhist=0

 

As you celebrate another day of life, ask yourself what your epiphany is for today.