This word, epiphany, has come into use in general conversation in our culture. It is used to take account of specific moments of new and even surprising encounters. Such encounters might be with a piece of music or visual art, with an extraordinary view of a familiar landscape made “new” by the quality of its appearance enhanced by sunlight or moonlight, by newly fallen snow or by an ethereal mist or fog settled over it.

     For centuries, Christians have reserved this term for the celebration that is ours this week: The Epiphany of the Lord. It is easy to jump too quickly to an awareness of the Three Magi or Three Kings. Epiphany does not begin with them, but begins with the promise that has been revealed to them. They study ancient texts and the stars. It becomes compelling for them when they “see” that Star that will guide them to the place where the Child can be found. Epiphany resides with this Child, Whose Star calls and guides these three seekers just as surely as the voices of the angels led the shepherds to find this Child. It is the sudden and predicted if unexpected appearance of One Who is born to be King, in a manger of all places!

     What they receive and see leads then to what they will understand and do. We, with the Three, are called to enter and truly see. We are called to know and to open the treasures we carry with us, to offer them, not by merely placing and leaving them, but by entrusting them to his wisdom and guidance even as they are in our hands or hearts to use according to God’s divine favor.