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
