Listen

They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

Matthew 2:11-12

Think

Epiphany is a reminder to us that we cannot go back to the way things were. We must leave this season and go home by another road. Epiphany is not just a celebration of the star, the magi, or even a call to continue to seek Christ in our lives. It is the Epiphany of God’s power, Gods love, and God’s justice on the earth. We cannot just go back to the way things were, rushing and consuming.

Epiphany requires that we learn to see what is happening already around us, between us, and within us in this world. May we understand what our lives, our commitments, and our work may involve when we take seriously our vocation as a people of God, led by light in all we do.

We are called to be bright manifestations of the power of God in our history. Take a different road. Continue to be led by the light of the star.

Michelle Thomas-Bush

Question to Ponder:

As you begin a new year, what do you need to do differently this year in order to reflect the powerful love of God that has entered your life?

Pray

God of light, like the magi I have journeyed into the presence of Christ. May this light wash over me and guide me on the journey before me. Amen.

Go

God has called us to move into a new year as bright manifestations of light and love.

May we be epiphanies ourselves, illuminating God’s presence in the world.

Today and always shine bright.