Sudden Realizations

This Thursday we celebrate the Day of Epiphany – a set Christian holiday that remembers an actual epiphany had by a few wise men (kings?) from a far off land about the birth of our savior.

What I find peculiar about this story is the way in which the Magi find baby Jesus. They travel from afar to walk across the Jordanian desert. They caravan after viewing a star in the sky. They bring their most expensive gifts, pay homage to the baby king, and then leave. Am I the only one that thinks these wise men are going overboard following what they consider to be an encounter with the holy?

Regardless, what I love about this story is it carries the majesty of an appointed epiphany.

Webster defines epiphany as a “Sudden Realization.” The Magi suddenly realize the interplay between God and the world. They suddenly realize their need for a savior. They suddenly realize the king of all kings is being born in Bethlehem’s barns.

This is a detail we need to see. The story of our savior begins with an appointed epiphany. Your Christian story begins with one too. You suddenly realize the nature of God and your relationship to the world. You suddenly realize your need for a king and kingdom. Your sudden realizations are just like the epiphanies had by the Magi – holy encounters.

I’m learning, though, epiphanies happen a lot, and they come as distinct and individualistic as we are human. The trick when these liminal episodes of change occur is to get lost in them. Allowing them to sweep you up, hold you, affect you, and change you offers an opportunity to encounter the holy.

Encountering the holy is what the Day of Epiphany is about. It is what our salvific narrative is about. It is what our life is about.

May this Thursday you find yourself realizing you too are encountering the holy.

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