Epiphany: a journey.. by Heidi Jakoby

Growing up I have always heard the word epiphany used and I think the best definition I have found comes from the book Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins

Epiphany is defined as “an intuitive grasp of reality usually through something simple and striking, an illuminating discovery, a revealing scene or moment.” What could be more simple and illuminating but a star that shined both day and night?

Epiphanies, moments of clarity or Ah-ha moments come in all shapes, sizes and timings. I think some of the most meaningful epiphanies are those little ones that just sneak up on you. They happen when you are just going about your business for the day. What have been some of your Epiphanies?

I really liked the final comment Helen made that: “God is there to help direct us at all turns in the roadways of our lives. We are not alone. That in itself is perhaps the greatest Epiphany!”

God’s presence is a source of comfort for me. Have you notice where God has shown up in your life? Where have you seen God today? Are these God moments epiphanies?

An interesting part of having an Epiphany even though you many have a new fresh understanding it does not mean a change will happen. One needs to choose to change. An epiphany in and of itself only indicates new understanding and may or may not cause a person to change or be changed. In some ways this is like the tradition of making New Year’s Resolutions. You can make a resolution but nothing is going to change unless you take action.

One of my favorite parts of the Epiphany story is the journey of the Magi, their journey to Jesus led by a star. I often wonder what their journey was like. In the passage form Matthew2:11-12 we learn that the Magi gave gifts to Jesus and that their journey took an unexpected turn. Instead of heading home the way they came they needed to find another route. What new challenges and or discoveries did they have by not going home the way they had intended? What have you learned by taking a journey that was unexpected, what epiphanies did you have because you took an unexpected turn?

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments, and join us sometime in person or by Skype. I hope your Epiphany journey is filled with illuminating discoveries.