Epiphany: Following the Light of Christ

During the Epiphany season, we celebrate the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ, principally the visit of the Magi — the three kings — to the Christ child and thus Jesus’ physical manifestation to the gentiles.

This term “epiphany” is derived from the Greek phainein meaning “to appear.” In classical Greek, it could also mean the manifestation of a deity to a worshiper, otherwise known as a theophany. And that is indeed the case in Matthew 2:1-12. The magi have come from the East, being led by “yonder star,” to meet — in person — God, in the human form of the baby Jesus. Yes, they were indeed led to Christ. While I have no doubt of the historical veracity of these events, they indeed are a wonderful metaphor as quite literally billions upon billions of people have been led to Christ in the same way ever since. Following the same pattern of God’s interaction with men, which, of course, is his perfect plan.

Notice first that Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was foretold by the prophets: “O Bethlehem…from you shall come a ruler.” This was all foreordained long ago. The star then rested over Bethlehem, leading the Magi directly to Jesus, as it “rested over the place where the child was.” These men were called by God to Jesus, and then finally God acts again protecting the Christ-child as the magi were “warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they departed to their own country by another way.” Thus after their encounter with the living God, God is not through with them in any way, as he protects their path and the Christ child on the way forward.

In the same way the Magi followed the light to Christ, Paul followed Jesus when he revealed himself to him. If you recall from Acts 9, Paul saw a blinding light when Jesus appeared to him. Don’t let the symbolism escape you: Paul saw the light…that is the light of Christ.

As the hymn We Three Kings goes, “star of royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.” By His grace, the Magi saw the light and found Christ. Paul also saw the light and found Christ. And by His grace, the Lord is leading you to the follow that perfect light….the light of Christ, so that Jesus may manifest himself to you in holiness that you may be united with God the Father.

So my question for you is, “How has Jesus revealed himself to you?” How has he made himself manifest in your life? Is it through His word? Has he revealed himself to you while reading or listening to scripture? Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Or has Jesus revealed himself to you through so-called coincidence — what I like to call “God-incidence?” Just like the Magi, who through seemingly fateful events — the light of the star, hearing the prophecies of the Old Testament —were led to Bethlehem.

Or has He revealed himself to you through your own conscience? Genesis tells us that we were made in God’s image. And while we are fallen creatures, we still have that drive within us that gives us yearning for Him, especially when we are lost.

For example, let’s look at Anglican clergyman John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace. In his former life, Newton had been a slave-trader, whose conscience was so wracked by his misdeeds that he gave up his godless trade and was led to Christ. Newton said he “Once was lost but now is found, was blind but now I see…” Christ made himself manifest to him, and he was no longer lost.

Let me ask you, are you lost? If you are, that light of Christ is still shining — shining for all to see. Please, let him be your guide. Lord Jesus… guide us to that perfect light.