Having an Epiphany

I’m having an Epiphany! It started January 6th and lasts till March 2nd. No, not the kind of epiphany where you realize you should have had a vegetable drink made from tomatoes. This kind of Epiphany is life changing, in a now and eternal way.

In my Lutheran tradition we celebrate the season called, yup, you guessed it, Epiphany. It is a season that brings the 12 days of Christmas to a close. It takes the church on a journey of light and life with Jesus up to Ash Wednesday and Lent. During Epiphany we rejoice with the Magi - wise men from the east who brought their gifts and followed the star to find the infant King (Matthew 2). We are with Jesus as he plunges into the water of the Jordan to be baptized. We see the heavens opened, the Spirit dove descending. We hear the Father’s voice from heaven booming, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17). The season ends on the mountain top with Jesus, Peter, James and John. Jesus is transfigured before them. He chats with old friends, Moses and Elijah. And we hear again the Father’s familiar words (Matthew 17:1-9). 

Epiphany is about celebrating who Jesus is for you! He is your substitute. He took your place under God’s judgment. He carried your sin to the cross. He died your death. He gives you his sinlessness, his righteousness, his life! I pray you are having an Epiphany too!