Wednesday marked the beginning of Epiphany, and the close of the Christmas season. As the twelfth night of Christmas gives way to the Epiphany, or revelation of Jesus Christ, we move from celebrating the Incarnation (Jesus’ coming into the world) to celebrating his manifestation to all peoples.
Isaiah reminds us that Israel was always intended to be a light unto the nations (Is. 49:6). Through them, God’s salvation would extend to everyone. And it is upon the arrival of the three Magi, or Wise Men, symbolic of the other nations, to see Jesus, symbolic of Israel, that we see this promise fulfilled. Additionally, when they came to see Jesus they were transformed. And we are told that they left to tell others what they had seen and heard.
So, this season holds a twofold purpose for us as Christians. First, it is a yearly reminder that Jesus came to fulfill God’s purposes to save all nations and people. Secondly, we, who have been transformed by Jesus, are called to make Him known as well.
Toward that end, this season is also a particularly appropriate time for individual house blessings. Often our homes serve as the entryway to our church. Even in these odd days our homes are the places where we work, fellowship, and engage in life together (albeit by Zoom these days). A house blessing serves to invite Christ’s presence afresh into our homes and lives, by ‘spiritually cleaning’ away the past as we seek to serve Him therein. Toward that end, the clergy are available during this month and into the first part of February to come pray at your home.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please call the church office to set up a time for us to come by. We can pray at your doorway and chalk, or mark it for Christ, as is the custom without coming inside or if you so desire a blessing of your home we are happy to enter using masks and social distancing.
As we embark upon this season together, let me leave you with these poetic and provocative works from Lancelot Andrews who noted of the Magi and of us -
They came a long journey, and they came an uneasy journey; they came a dangerous journey and they came now, at the worst season of the year. They stayed not their coming till the opening of the year, till they might have better weather and way, and have longer days and so more seasonable and fit to travel in. So desirous were they to come with the first, and to be there as soon as they possibly might; broke through all these difficulties, and behold, come they did.
And we, what excuse shall we have if we come not? If so short and easy a way we come not, as from our chambers hither? And these wise men were never a whit less wise for so coming; nay, to come to Christ is one of the wisest parts that ever these wise men did. And if they and we be wise in one Spirit, we will follow the same star, tread the same way, and so come at last wither they are happily gone before us.
The final blessing this week is a proclamation over you toward that end as the celebrant will pray, May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your lives may be a light to the world.
I hope and pray this may be so in your life and in mine!