Do you remember how you first encountered Jesus? It may have been a friend who led you to find faith, or a visit to church, or family influence, or a crisis or a celebration.
This season of Epiphany (manifestation) celebrates Christ being shown to those outside of the Jewish community - depicted by the magi who followed the star to find the Christ-child and acknowledge him as a new king.
Epiphany concludes on February 2nd with the festival of the Presentation of Christ at the Temple (Candlemas). Jesus, having been acknowledged as ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles’ is now accepted as the ‘glory of God’s people Israel’ by Simeon in the Temple. Full circle.
The point is that right from the start God’s gift of Jesus is God’s gift of love, light and salvation for everyone, in every time and place. No one is excluded.
The season of Epiphany invites us to embark again in following Jesus on this journey that leads us, together with all God’s creation, on this adventure of faith and life.
Lord God of the nations,
we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendour.
The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the darkness that covers the earth
and signals the dawn of peace and justice.
Make radiant the lives of your people with that same brightness,
and beckon all the nations to walk as one in your light.
We ask this through Christ, our Saviour and our Lord. Amen.