In following the “church year,” in our Scripture texts and sermons, on Sunday mornings, the season (now) between Advent and Lent, is called “Epiphany.” These six weeks mark the manifestation of Christ to the world, with an emphasis on his divinity. Epiphany gospel texts note Christ arriving on the human scene, and his appearance or Epiphany to the world, and the dawning of the revelation as to Christ’s identity and mission.
If one looks at the seasons of Advent-Epiphany-Lent-Easter, they tell the gospel story. Advent: Christ arrives on earth. Epiphany: Christ appears in public and his identity is made clear. Lent: Christ suffered and died, and we consider our own sin. And thank the Lord for the next season: Easter, where the salvation work of Christ is proven and vindicated, and we sing “Alleluia!”
In this Epiphany season, how is Christ making his appearance in your life? What practices to do you engage, to keep your eyes and ears open to Jesus. As Jesus began his ministry, it took time to recognize Jesus for his true identity. Jesus is at work in our lives, whispering, nudging, moving. Might we keep a journal to note the activity of Jesus in our lives, that we are sensing? “Epiphany” means to show or to make known. How might our recognition of Jesus for his true person translate and radiate from ourselves to others? May this Epiphany season mark increased room in our heart for the Revealed One, even as the hymn notes there was neither room in the inn as an infant, nor a roof over his head as adult. Let there be room in our hearts for our Lord.
The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest, in the shade of the forest tree, but thy couch was the sod, O thou Son of God, in the desert of Galilee. O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for thee!
