“The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it . . . And the Word became flesh and lived among us and we have seen his glory.”
Adapted from John 1
Winter has come into our lives in all her fullness the last couple of days. Our bodies are not accustomed to the bitter cold – yet we are adapting. The frigid days often come with the unexpected gift of sunshine. The hardly seen bright orb in the sky which was absent most of December has been a nice companion. A light to take away any winter doldrums we may have.
The sunlight is a wonderful image for the Light of World we celebrate during Epiphany. Epiphany is a much-forgotten season in the practice of most Christians nowadays. The liturgical Church even refers to this time between Christmas and Lent as “ordinary” time. I don’t think there is anything ordinary about the Light of God coming into our world. Epiphany is a continuation of the Advent/Christmas message of Light.
“In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we lit candles, one at a time, through Advent. Then, on Christmas Eve, we lit each other’s candles singing “Silent Night” and lit the Christ candle. The star blazed over the stable, and the first followers made their appearance — those Wise Men. Each week, more and more light. We have seen his glory! The Word is among us. The Light shines in the darkness.” (from ‘The Cottage’ by Diana Butler Bass)
Many of us get the January blues following the sparkle of the holiday season. Epiphany is a reminder of how the Light which came over the holidays continues to shine. Epiphany is the time where we are to bring notice to the Divine Light which shines. Shines even in the dark days of winter, shines in all places we may find ourselves. There is nothing ordinary about this time of year called Epiphany. For we can see the extraordinary presence of God, lighting the way and brightening the paths of life before us.
No amount of darkness can extinguish this light, such is a word of truth to warm our souls.
Faithfully Yours,
Rev. Wendy