God With Us: Celebrating Epiphany
The central focus of Epiphany is the physical manifestation of God in Jesus. We celebrate this by remembering different revelations of Christ: the wise men’s inspired journey, Jesus’ baptism, and his first miracle. This feast day is often a larger celebration than Christmas in many cultures, and for good reason. The Incarnation has incredible implications for our lives today, both in tangible and immaterial ways.
Epiphany is also called Three Kings Day since a large emphasis is placed on the revelation of Christ to Jesus’ first gentile, most likely pagan visitors. There’s a few things we know about these individuals and more we don’t know. Even still, it is remarkable to imagine the scene of that meeting. At what moment did they realize who was in front of them? Did they expect a child or an adult? What and who encouraged their skills in astronomy and science? What was it like to refuse to partner with the empire?
I’m also curious what Mary and Joseph were thinking as shepherds and scholars approached the manger. I trust they had some inclination of the significance of this child, but could they have imagined the range in callers gathered under the same roof? From his very birth, Jesus receives and welcomes the unexpected and unwanted.
It’s interesting to watch this week’s events unfold: the election of Raphael Warnock to the Georgia senate, the lack of criminal charges filed in the shooting of Jacob Blake, and the infuriating acts of domestic terrorism and Christian nationalism at the US Capitol. (Of course, these events are nestled among other significant events of progress and incredible pain in 2020, as well as decades past.)
“Reverence for God is shown in our reverence for man.” – Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
As we focus our sights on the Incarnation, a holy body both fully human and fully divine, we are also reminded of the stark reality of how we engage with the unexpected and unwanted in our own lives. How we determine and define belonging, identity, or justice reflects how we understand the manger scene. Recent debates over stimulus checks, masks, healthcare, elections, and all other points of division, reveal what we really prioritize, and what we really think about our neighbor.
Immanuel, “God with us,” is not a passive name of God. It’s both a love letter and an invitation. If we are to follow Christ’s example, we must also strive to live with the same generous physical and spiritual hospitality that we have received.
I’ll leave you with a few verses from one of the Revised Common Lectionary readings for today:
“For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight.”
Psalms 72:12-14
Other Epiphany resources:
- A French King’s cake recipe. (Find a photo of my attempt on IG.)
- Grab a piece of chalk and bless your door.
- How Epiphany is celebrated around the world.
Read more on my journey through the liturgical calendar.
