Epiphany

Today, January 6th, has a lot of names . . . Twelfth Night, first day of Mardi Gras season, Joan of Arc's birthday. But my favorite is Epiphany. Say it out loud. It's fun, the way the word tangles in your mouth. In church, we recognize Epiphany with the commemorization of the Magi as the first time God reveals Jesus to the world as His Son. But I enjoy Webster's common definition of epiphany -- a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something, an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking, an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure, a revealing scene or moment.

I want one of those, don't you? Our culture has other common expressions for epiphany -- an ah-ha moment, a breakthrough, bingo, a revelation, and of course the very visual lightbulb turning on over one's head. Can you think of any others? I could use a few epiphanies right now.

This past Sunday, Pastor Fred instructed us to be on the lookout for "God surprises." Don't miss them. Watch closely. You might find God surprises anywhere, anytime, in unexpected places.

Happy Epiphany!