I Had an Epiphany!

In some church traditions, today, January 6th, is known as “Epiphany” (def: “revelation”, “manifestation”), also known as “Three Kings Day” (observing the arrival, in Bethlehem, of the Wise Men from the east, to see and honor the newborn Messiah-King), and “Twelfth Day”, marking the end of the Christmas season.

One of my favorite Magi-related sayings is, “Wise men still seek Him.” Yesterday, I saw a nice twist on this, that being “The wise still FIND Him.”, which I quickly reposted. But then…in the middle of the night…a bright light suddenly appeared over my bed, illuminating a deeper understanding of this (okay, it wasn’t a literal, Bethlehem-like star appearing in my room, but it was an “ah-ha! moment” nonetheless). The “revelation” was from I Corinthians 1:18-31 –

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…20 Where is the wise?...Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For…it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe… 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men…26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh…are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise… 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

So…human wisdom becomes as blinders to the necessary eyes of faith of the seeker who will find Immanuel – “God with us”. And upon the “finding”, the wisdom of God is born in the life of the finder. Here is the truest epiphany of all, with Immanuel-rewards to be enjoyed and celebrated all 365.25 days of the year!

Therefore, my new Advent / Epiphany saying is now this:

“Truly wise men (& women) FOLLOW Him.”

Shalom!

Brian

Brian