Sunday 4 January 2009

Epiphany Sunday

Epiphany (Greek for "to manifest" or "to show"), is a Christian feast day which celebrates the "shining forth" or revelation of God in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. The Feast of the Epiphany falls on January 6, and is always celebrated on the nearest Sunday.

The focus of this day is twofold: Western Christians commemorate the visitation of the Magi, or "Wise Men", to the child Jesus on this day (ie. his manifestation to the Gentiles). Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, his manifestation as the Son of God to the world.

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you...
even though nations are still in darkness...
on you the light of God will shine...
the brightness of God's presence will be with you.
Based on Isaiah 60:1-2

Lord, like the worshipful Wise Men, we offer you the gift of our very lives ~ the gold of our obedience and the incense of our lowliness. May the faith we live each day be a fragrant perfume that glorifies Your name and inspires others to find their hope in Christ ~ the true Light of the world.