Customarily Epiphany stresses light shining in the dark, specifically God’s light shining into the dark recesses of the world and of the human condition. That’s why the gospel readings tell various stories about the way Jesus was manifested to be God among us – God’s light shining among us. Take the story which is virtually synonymous with the Feast of the Epiphany. It’s the story of the Magi or so-called wise men. They follow the light of a star to discover the real light – the light of God born into the world through the baby Jesus. But that’s not the only light that’s shining in the story.
There’s a sentence that has often been used to invite people to give their offerings to God at the Offertory in the Eucharist. It goes like this: “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Epiphany is certainly about God’s light shining into our lives, but it’s also about God’s light shining through us into the darkness of the world. That’s what the Wise Men did. Sure they followed the light of a special star, which God used to guide them on their way. And sure they discovered the Light of God in the stable at Bethlehem. But they also offered themselves to God – their time, their abilities and those gifts of theirs, which they laid at Jesus’ manger. That’s how God’s light shines through people like them and through people like us.
We give ourselves to God – to Christ – by taking the time to offer our gifts to Him. Then God uses those gifts to bless others and Christ’s Light shines again – through us. It’s this simple:
- Father Fred and a committee of about 10 parishioners gave their time and vision to create our Seniors Christmas Party. People’s hearts were warmed by the fellowship they shared, and Christ’s Light shines.
- Lots of people gave some of their time and physical energy to pack and deliver Christmas Food Baskets. Over 100 households are fed for the holidays, and Christ’s Light shines.
- A handful of parishioners and teens go to Grace Church in Providence to serve dinner at the Soup Kitchen there, and Christ’s Light shines.
- All our choirs spend lots of extra time and effort practicing and presenting Advent and Christmas music at our special services, and Christ’s Light shines.
- Parishioners set aside a little of their time every couple of weeks to take Communion to older members of the parish who aren’t able to get to church, and Christ’s Light shines.
Giving to God the gift of ourselves, like those Wise Men and their gifts, the gift is then used and blessed by God, and so Christ’s Light continues to shine!
Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify God.
Affectionately in Christ,
Phil +