I myself am quite fond of making a big deal out of the season called Epiphany, which just happens to be starting today. January 6 is a day to remember when some ancient astronomers just had to see what God was up to, given the spectacularly bright star that was making its way across the night sky. They found God’s bright idea named Jesus, and it all came together for them.
So Epiphany is the season to follow those star-gazers’ example and open our eyes to other things God might be up to. Whether we are gazing up into a gorgeous night sky or just staring at the same old computer screen… What epiphanies might be waiting for us? What clarifying insight is going to grab me?
Whenever I'm contemplating epiphanies and revelations, I can't help but think of my favorite scene in Steven Spielberg's movie, Hook. Captain Hook says to his sidekick, Smee, that he’s had an epiphany (“epiphy-what?” answers Smee), a suddenly clear understanding that his life is over, so he might as well end it. Then minutes later, Smee, who has just interrupted Hook’s suicide attempt (at Hook’s comical insistence), has the true epiphany in the scene (“I’ve just had an apostrophe!” he says, “Lightning has just struck my brain!”). Smee brings hope back into Hook’s world with his brilliant plan to defeat Peter Pan: They will defeat Peter Pan by getting Peter’s own children to love Captain Hook. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPP56_I4IB4)
Even though the two of them are up to no good, they do demonstrate the truth that light sometimes dawns when you are least expecting it. Even when you’re sure your life is over. And yes, it can happen when two less-than-stellar scoundrels put their heads together. How much more can come from truth-searching people putting their heads, hearts, and souls together? That’s pretty much what by the way is up to: giving all of us an online place where we can think and feel and pray together about what moves us and gives us meaning and direction… a place where God shows up.. where people who may have very different ideas of who God is can exchange those ideas and grow together.
Though the Epiphany season starts with the revelation of God showing up in the child Jesus, who welcomes guests from the ends of the earth, the rest of the stories get us into Jesus’ grown-up life as a teacher, healer, liberator. It all begins the day he’s dunked in river waters, baptized along with tons of others. Take a look at the story the way Luke tells it: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%203:15-22&version=MSG
Notice how the crowds are excited but confused: Is this John the One? John’s crystal clear: Nope, not me. I’m just the water-guy; you’re looking for the fire-guy, the one who’ll “ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out”.
And Jesus is right there in the middle of them, not looking much like the fiery blaster that John was describing. But the epiphany is still coming; God’s presence in Jesus becomes clear, as those who’ve been baptized along with Jesus see an amazing vision. The sky opens, a dove swoops down, a voice speaks. No fire yet, but that will be coming later. Jesus’ timing is different than John expected. Jesus doesn’t clean house by force; he draws people into God’s life by the power of his all-giving love.
What epiphanies have you experienced?
What ways has God shown up for you, if at all?
What clarifying visions are you hoping for?
If you’ve been baptized, how does this story of Jesus’ baptism affect you? How about if you haven’t?
Please feel free to enter the conversation in whatever way fits you. If you happen to be near Nashua, come by Applebees on Amherst St./101A, Thursday Dec. 7th at 7pm, to chat about all this.
Epiphany-watching with you,
Kari
2 comments:
Anyone ever seen Sweeney Todd? I'm a big fan of all things Broadway, and it's a great musical, though it's hardly a pleasant show full of bright showtunes.
In the show, the main guy Sweeney laments his failing to defeat his enemy, the evil Judge Turpin, and then suddenly finds his big EPIPHANY- his ultimate purpose in life that will drive the entire second act and bring about the dramatic finale that defines the whole musical. Of course, like Captain Hook's and Smee's epiphanies, it's deciding to massacre innocent members of the community, but still, it shows us that our life's goals can show up when we least expect it, even when we think all hope is lost. We can spot God all the time, really... even in depressing Broadway shows :D
Here's a link to "Epiphany", performed by original Broadway cast member Len Cariou (with Angela Lansbury). This guy is insane and murderous! You have been warned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npB28d_tKQY&feature=related
Growing up within a European family, my mother's aunts were Russian (as was she) and were Russian Orthodox. My great-great uncle Vladimir even went to seminary for part of his life and when his wife Anna (the last of that generation) died, I came across a wonderful picture of my uncle with the traditional long black beard the Orthodox priests were known for. I always wonder why he had not continued on this path in life. He and his wife Anna had a wonderful life. They had no children - although I know he had a son from his previous marriage.
Anyways, the Russian Orthodox are very big on the celebration of Epiphany. I remember my great aunts and uncles celebrating Christmas with us on Christmas Day and then we celebrated "Russian Christmas" on what I have come to know as Epiphany. Epiphany and Easter were their two main celebrations. I now know that in this way we are very similar in Protestant celebrations.
I thought is was special to celebrate not one but two Christmas's. My friends never understood. The holidays were always highly anticipated - and we looked forward to celebrating with family and extended family - adults and children alike!
One of the epiphanies I had came about ten years ago when I felt my first physical presence of God. I found myself arguing with Him - when He challenged me to lead a project. At first I could only share this with other pastors as I thought lay people would think I was some kind of a nut!
Another Epiphany is that one has to be happy with themselves before they can make others happy. That can come in many different shapes and forms. I've seen many a person manuevering through life with that "chip" on their shoulder! You hear them constantly whining about how they were mistreated by parents, relatives, friends and employers. They never take ownership of their life. If you are not happy - then find out WHAT it is that is NOT making you happy and begin to set a plan for change.
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!
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