Epiphany

Question:

I would like our family to celebrate Epiphany this year with a metaphysical understanding.

Comment:

I'm sorry I wasn't able to respond before Epiphany, which is observed on January 6. The word epiphany means “unveiling.” In the traditions of the Christian Churches of the western world, it refers to the visit of the Magi to the manger. The tradition held that the visit occurred 12 days after the birth (hence "The Twelve Days of Christmas"). The story of the Magi is in Chapter 2 of the Gospel of Matthew; they are not a part of the story in the Gospel of Luke. And Matthew's version doesn't say anything about shepherds. So the “unveiling” means that the Magi were the first people who saw the newborn child for the pure expression of divine love—the Christ of God in expression—that he was. What the Feast of Epiphany asks of us metaphysically is that we recognize that same Christ Presence in ourselves. Our awareness may feel as small and tentative as a baby at first; but as we affirm it and appreciate it, it grows in strength and becomes a greater and greater part of our human experience.   In Eastern Christianity Epiphany commemorates the circumcision of Jesus and the baby's presentation at the Temple, as was the custom of the time. This particular story is in Luke (2:22-39), and not in Matthew. Again, the heart of the story concerns people not otherwise involved in events who recognize the Christ energy the child represents. In this case they are Simeon, a "righteous and devout" man, and Anna, a “prophetess.” Like the Magi, they are the first to recognize the pure Light and Love the child is expressing. We're told that "the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him." And so it often is with us. We are too involved in our own unfolding story to recognize the Christ Presence expressing through us. We need others to see what we cannot, to affirm the divine energy we are here in human form to express.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed