Dear God, a lot of denominations celebrate Epiphany today. The corresponding biblical story is that of the wise men from the east coming to pay homage to the new King of the Jews. There are a couple of interesting things about this story, including the fact that they seemed to be more interested in finding Jesus than the Chief Priests in Jerusalem were. Of course, that was a good thing for your plan. You didn’t need the Chief Priests gumming up the works and complicating things. But still, where was their curiosity? Why did they ignore what the wise men were saying?

I was a little confused as to the use of the word epiphany for this story. I think of epiphany as being defined by something that is finally understood or realized in my mind. Kind of an, “Oh, now I get it!” moment. I didn’t see that in this story. So I did what other 21st-century Americans do. I Googled it. According to Google’s AI, here is the explanation: “The church calls the feast day “Epiphany” because the word comes from the Greek “epiphaneia” which means “manifestation” or “appearance,” referring to the moment when Jesus was revealed to the world, most notably through the visit of the wise men (Magi) to the baby Jesus, signifying his divinity to the gentiles.” 

So, yeah, I guess this was kind of the beginning for the Gentiles to have their, “Oh, now I get it!” moment with knowing you and the Jewish people to have their, “Oh, now I get it!” moment with understanding you don’t only love them but all of us. Not that all Gentiles or Jewish people even currently have that view, but this was the beginning of that revelation.

Father, I have some people in my life who could use some special epiphanies today. Each one who is on my mind right now needs to have your heart for the others revealed to them. Guide them. Love them. Do something more miraculous than I can imagine, which shouldn’t be hard because what I can imagine is so small. But be bigger than any of us know you can be. Be more powerful. Bring love. Bring mercy. Bring repentance. Bring comfort. Bring healing. Reveal yourself to each person individually and collectively. Move the needle in every life today that is touching this situation. Bring glory to yourself, and lead all of us into worship of you for the great things you have done, are doing right now, and will continue to do. For the greatness that you are.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen