The Epiphany Of Our Lord
Devotional
Water From the Rock
Lectionary Devotional for Cycle C
Object:
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
-- Isaiah 60:1
As was true on Christmas Day, so the theme of God's light splitting the darkness continues on this Sunday as we celebrate Epiphany. Epiphany is the celebration of the appearance of the Christ to the Gentile world. In a world that is constantly torn by war and conflict, it is easy to be weighed down by the darkness of despair. It would not be hard to organize a good argument that the natural inclination of humanity is toward greed and conflict. The wealth of the world, rather than assisting in the development of people's lives, seems to be a constant source of fear and violence.
Epiphany is a celebration of God's light that splits such darkness. In the time of exile, when all human possibilities of hope for Israel were gone, the prophet spoke of a light that comes from God. It was a light that would reconcile the divisions of the world. "Nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn." The wealth of nations would no longer be a source of continuing conflict but would be brought together in a way that manifested the glory of God. Stop and reflect on the immense wealth of the various nations of the world. Consider all the diverse contributions that they have to make to the richness of humanity. All of this diversity of cultures and nations, the wealth of nations, will come together to praise God.
The praise of God is manifest in this world when the world uses the gifts of God in a manner that fulfills God's purposes. In the later story told in Matthew when the wise men brought their gifts and knelt before the Christ Child, the significance of their act was in the fulfillment of this glorious vision of Isaiah. In contrast to the world's means of accomplishing its purposes, the purpose of God was not accomplished through the use of force. Rather God brought the diversity of creation together through the birth of a small child. This reconciliation began through an expression of God's love that gives light.
-- Isaiah 60:1
As was true on Christmas Day, so the theme of God's light splitting the darkness continues on this Sunday as we celebrate Epiphany. Epiphany is the celebration of the appearance of the Christ to the Gentile world. In a world that is constantly torn by war and conflict, it is easy to be weighed down by the darkness of despair. It would not be hard to organize a good argument that the natural inclination of humanity is toward greed and conflict. The wealth of the world, rather than assisting in the development of people's lives, seems to be a constant source of fear and violence.
Epiphany is a celebration of God's light that splits such darkness. In the time of exile, when all human possibilities of hope for Israel were gone, the prophet spoke of a light that comes from God. It was a light that would reconcile the divisions of the world. "Nations shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn." The wealth of nations would no longer be a source of continuing conflict but would be brought together in a way that manifested the glory of God. Stop and reflect on the immense wealth of the various nations of the world. Consider all the diverse contributions that they have to make to the richness of humanity. All of this diversity of cultures and nations, the wealth of nations, will come together to praise God.
The praise of God is manifest in this world when the world uses the gifts of God in a manner that fulfills God's purposes. In the later story told in Matthew when the wise men brought their gifts and knelt before the Christ Child, the significance of their act was in the fulfillment of this glorious vision of Isaiah. In contrast to the world's means of accomplishing its purposes, the purpose of God was not accomplished through the use of force. Rather God brought the diversity of creation together through the birth of a small child. This reconciliation began through an expression of God's love that gives light.
