The Art of Epiphany

At 8 I realized that my favorite cousin was not going to grow up. I had danced freely with him to our first rock and roll records, played childrens games, giggled over silly jokes, but I was changing now. Along with my newly forming adolescence, the idea was dawning that my cousin would never grow old like me. He was mentally challenged in a way that would keep him childlike for his whole life.

The gravity of this moment in retrospect is bittersweet. I see now that he just might have had some advantage over me. His heart would remain in that childlike faith that we struggle so much to hold onto. But, the dawning of those quickenings are so significant. There have been many other epiphany-like moments in my life. Most that touched and melted me. Most changed my life. Sort of like the moment you realize that there really, really is an eternity.

Tonight, at my church, I was inspired to seek after an epiphany, or possibly a few this year. As the candles flamed and the music played I was drawn to consider that ever present voice of God.
Three profoundly simple concepts: every epiphany begins with a quest, all successful quests travel through the scriptures, and all true epiphanies end in worship. were my pathway. It doesn't take much to connect this story to the wisemen and their journey to see King Jesus,

As they arrived with gifts in hand, I remember that I too have gifts to offer. I too have knees to kneel before Him and leave my questions and burdens at his side. With the high and the humble, in the glory of God, we all find ourselves at the beginning and the end of our journey with Him. Let this be a season of truth and fresh understanding of His eternal purpose through us all.

Mary's Song

Power. Not something you think much about during the Christmas season with all the songs about the baby in the manger. Shepherds and sheep and cattle lowing on the hillsides is very comforting and not at all threatening. Power has a way of bringing fear. The misuse of power is something wars are made of and relationships are destroyed through. Power is not just about men, the military, or even the ability to sway a nation through a vote. Power is something that can be
used or abused, but it is definitely the choice of the holder thereof.

Mary was a powerful young woman. The Bible tells us she found favor with God. Not a small accomplishment by any measurement. But, she also found herself with a choice. In that choice she had the power to determine her future and that of her countrymen and mankind.
Yes, I know God would have made a way, regardless of her choice. He is not limited by our decisions. His resources are limitless. Nevertheless, he allowed a young woman the right to choose whether she would carry the King of the Universe within her body and birth righteousness and deliverance into this world. She responded to the angelic messenger with a "Yes-Let it be with me as you have foretold. "
As we consider this amazing exchange, it is our place to wonder what it is God has given us the power to accomplish or carry for him this year. Will our answer to His call be yes? Will we have hearts to bear whatever He places within us? Can we be trusted to carry it to fruition and cherish the privilege of being chosen?
Seeds of greatness are gifts God gives to all His redeemed ones. What he allows us, is the power to say yes or no to His will. We will either submit and experience His joy or resist. I am not clear on all that would be lost in resistance, other than His amazing presence in guidance or the profound process of glorifying Him.
I say, say yes to the Spirit this year. Use the power God has given you for good and be the reflection of Him who created you as an eternal spirit in his very own image. Could it be, in Him, we are more powerful than we ever imagined?