• A manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something
• An intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking
• An illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure

I am glad Christmas is a twelve day event. Not one-and-done December 25 so much as an extended celebration of God’s breaking in to this world via the birth of Jesus. It takes time and it takes commitment to begin to understand what the incarnation can possibly mean.

This is why Rebekah and I are deliberate when it comes to keeping the Christmas story front and center all 12 days, most especially making sure that we turn on all the lights.

We pray that, today, there will be a widespread epiphany, an intuitive grasp of reality, an illuminating discovery – and rediscovery – of the meaning of Jesus.

Imagine how the events of January 6 2021 would have played out had there been more epiphany going on and less demagoguery; more of (and in) the light and less of (and in) the shadows; more humility and less arrogance; more love for and from Jesus, and less love of power.

I pray that, having immersed ourselves in The Light for 12 days, we will live now as people of light.

Traditionally, today, we recognize The Magi – the wise.

May we be so. Grant us wisdom. Grant us courage. And in the words of the great hymn, save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore. – DEREK

Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the search for thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving thee whom we adore,
serving thee whom we adore.

God of Grace and God of Glory