Message From Thack
Epiphany: When God Makes Himself Known
The Feast of Epiphany is tomorrow, January 6. It signals the end of the twelve days of Christmas and the beginning of the season of Epiphany.
The word Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning appearance, manifestation, or showing forth. On this feast day, the Church celebrates not simply the birth of Jesus, but the revelation of who he truly is: the light of God given for the whole world. In Matthew 2:1-12, that revelation comes through an unlikely cast of characters—foreign astrologers, the Magi—who are guided by a star to the Christ child.
The Magi’s experience is marked by movement and courage. They notice something extraordinary in the heavens, interpret it as a sign of divine significance, and then act on it. They leave what is familiar, ask questions along the way, face misunderstanding and even hostility from King Herod, and finally arrive at the place where God has chosen to dwell. When they see the child, Matthew tells us, “they were overwhelmed with joy.” Their response is worship—offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—and then obedience, as they return home “by another road,” changed by their encounter with Christ.
Most of us will never follow a star across deserts, yet Epiphany insists that God still reveals himself—often quietly, subtly, and persistently—in our ordinary lives. These manifestations may come through all the “aha!” moments of life: a timely word from a friend, a moment of clarity in prayer, an unexpected sense of peace, a stirring of conscience, or a deep awareness of God’s presence in suffering or joy. Like the Magi, we may not recognize these moments immediately. They require attentiveness on our parts.
So, how, then, do we stay open and alert to these epiphanies? First, by cultivating a posture of watchfulness. Prayer, the study of Scripture, silence, and worship help tune our hearts to God’s movements. Second, by being willing to ask questions and seek guidance, rather than assuming we already know where God is leading. And third, by being ready to act—to follow when God nudges us forward, even when the path is uncertain.
Why does this matter? Because Epiphany is not about information; it is about transformation. Every true encounter with Christ invites change. Like the Magi, we are meant to leave by another road—to live differently, love more generously, and bear the light we have seen into a world that still knows darkness. Recognizing God’s presence reshapes our priorities and reorients our lives toward God’s purposes.
The season of Epiphany stretches from this feast day until Ash Wednesday, when we turn toward Lent’s call to repentance and renewal. Epiphany asks us to keep our eyes open along the way—to watch for the light of Christ breaking into our lives—and to respond with faith, joy, and obedience whenever God chooses to make himself known. Peace, Thack
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