Epiphany

Epiphany means “manifestation.” It also means “appearance” and in modern usage often denotes a “revelation” or a new way of thinking.
..........a moment of sudden intuitive understanding; flash of insight
Epiphany means “a showing forth” — in this case a showing forth of Jesus to the Gentiles

Epiphany is not only a day itself, but to the church***a season*** because it ends when Lent begins, starting January 6th. It is the climax of the Advent/Christmas season. The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.

The Wisemen gave of themselves, their time, to search for the Christ Child. The Magi were looking for a “Sign” they were looking for God. Their journey began with their Hope and Faith that they would find the Christ Child. They gave to God their best. The Magi gave the gifts of their time; for it was a long journey (approximately 600 miles). Then the Wisemen bowed down to worship Him. The Wisemen gave themselves to Christ; then they gave (Toddler) Jesus their Gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. These “Gifts” were practical gifts to help support the Holy Family on their Escape to Egypt and later their return to Nazareth.

  The Wise Men or Magi who brought gifts to the child Jesus were the first Gentiles to acknowledge

Jesus as "King" and so were the first to "show" or "reveal" Jesus to a wider world as the incarnate Christ.

The day is now observed as a time of focusing on the mission of the church in reaching others by "showing" Jesus as the Savior of all people. It is also a time of focusing on Christian community and fellowship, especially in healing the divisions of prejudice and bigotry that we all too often create between God’s children.

Dear Lord

Will you fill us full of your love leaving no room for intolerance. You have forgiven us much, will you help us with your strength to forgive others even more? Will you help us through your abiding Presence among us, together or alone, to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Name we bear?
May we, through your guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues in ways that we have not imagined of holding the Light of your love so that it may be a Light of revelation for all people.

Amen