It’s the first week of the new year, and today I did something that made me a little sad – I took down the Christmas lights on our front porch. We have put away the ornaments from the tree and taken our candles from our windows. I’m not looking forward to this evening, when it will definitely be darker around the front of our house. That’s why I’m glad tomorrow is Epiphany!
I suspect that some of you are asking yourselves, “Epiphany? What in the world??!!” January 6th is the traditional day on which the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child is celebrated, and it’s called Epiphany. The word basically means “divine manifestation of light” (referring to God’s coming in the form of his Son). It’s also used to describe a sudden realization, kind of like a light bulb going on in one’s head. I like to refer to that as a “bright idea.” An epiphany!
Now is the time for bright ideas, if there is any “right” time. We’re getting into another year, and we’ve just finished a year of victories and losses. In a way, we can probably look back and say that it’s similar to previous years. But there also seems to be a growing urgency to life that requires us to focus more closely on the highest priorities. God revealing himself in his Son seems pretty much to top that list.
So, it’s time for me to look for other light, for brightness in the midst of this young year. The Magi found a heavenly brightness they called a star, and followed it to where it led. (Read about it here.) It sounds like they knew pretty much where they would end up, but as far as I can determine, they had to cross a war zone to get there. They were determined to follow that bright light. And when they got to where it pointed, they did something other than marvel. They worshiped and offered their gifts.
I’m hoping to follow a similar path this January. If you’ve weathered more than a few mid-winters, you know that the January-February time-frame is often called “the doldrums.” It’s a time to hunker down and get through it until spring begins to show itself. I’m using my Epiphany to kick off a better approach.
First, I am going to get back to basics. Better eating, spending time outside every day it’s possible, and regular quiet times are foundational. These are not so-called “resolutions,” but things I already know I can and should be doing. Sleeping regular hours sounds like a good idea, too. And listening to more good music. I need to live up to Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
One of the best ways I know of to live out that verse is to follow another. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” (Prov. 19:20) I can use some bright ideas for staying focused on the light early this year. So, if you have any good suggestions, please leave them in the comments section. I’m sure some of our other readers would benefit, too!
And I will definitely be putting more lights up on the front porch, soon!