O Come All Ye Faithful
Adoration of the Magi by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 17th century (Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio)
The traditional Church calendar marks January 6 as the celebration of Epiphany. Epiphany means “appearance” or “manifestation.” It is the celebration of Jesus’ incarnation. In the Western Church, the focus of the Epiphany celebration centers around the appearance of Christ to the gentiles through the Magi. In the Eastern Church, the focus of the Epiphany celebration is on Christ’s baptism, when John proclaimed Him as the Son of God publicly.
A Contemporary Collect from The Book of Common Prayer:
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son
to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by
faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to
face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
How did Christ first manifest Himself in your life? You may not have had as “flashy” a sign as the Magi had, but what signs did God put in your life? Remember to send in your testimony to inspiredfaithangel@gmail.com.
