by Bill Moore
My friend Darwin lives in the country. He’s a teacher, but sometimes wishes he were a farmer. Darwin says that once he was in a “visioning” workshop where the leader asked participants to close their eyes and imagine the happiest, most wonderful experience they could think of.
What came to Darwin’s mind was the image of a great gathering at a farm. His friends, neighbors, and many people that he did not even know were working together with him to bring in the crops, enjoying each other’s company, and celebrating the bountiful harvest.
Darwin’s vision comes to mind when I think of Epiphany. Sunday’s feast falls in the depth of winter, not at harvest time. But Epiphany celebrates a similar vision — the great mystery and message that people of every race and nation, near and far, known and unknown are welcome to share and rejoice together in the boundless abundance of God’s merciful kindness and the salvation God’s Son Jesus brings.
Epiphany’s three magi stand in for all of us who do not share the Jewish identity of Jesus and his first followers. The magi reach out to the newborn king of the Jews and travel far to pay him homage. Mary and Joseph welcome them and accept their gifts.
The message? Jesus is not just for Jews. He’s not just for Christians either. The peace and love Jesus brings into this world and the forgiveness and reconciliation he brings about through his death and resurrection are for everyone.
Perhaps you have seen the bumper sticker that prays, “God bless the whole world — no exceptions.” On Epiphany, we joyfully affirm our belief and thanks that God does exactly that.
- What is the happiest, most wonderful experience you can imagine?
- If you were going to make up a bumper sticker or billboard slogan to express the meaning of Epiphany, what would it say?