Reflecting on Epiphany in Incredible Days
Reflecting on Epiphany in these Incredible days I moved the wise men to the Christ child in both our creches, on the hutch and the mantel. On this day, those real wise men made it to the Christ child; hence the church’s celebration of Epiphany.
From the 1952 Book of Common Prayer I secured on Etsy, Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.
This book resembles the book my mother treasured. Unfortunately, I lent it to my mother-in-law, and never managed to retrieve after she died.
This edition is in pristine condition. Unlike my mother’s copy— which she had had to have rebound from wear and tear —it bears no evidence of having been much of a companion.
I am grateful for my sake — but sorry for the former owner.
Reacquainting myself with the Prayer Book
A year or so ago, my friend from our Bible study graciously gave me 1979 edition of the Book of Common Prayer. It has been a way to find words to pray when I am dumbstruck by the times. (2 Chronicles 20:12 )
Companions when words fail
That book is about twice the size and number of pages — with an index for prayers and thanksgivings. The updated version spells out all kinds of prayers: for the world, the church, national life, social order, the natural order, for family and personal life, etc.
The print is larger and the pages, sturdier — and it’s a comfort to read the thoughts and petitions of others who have been in deeper water and hotter fire than I can image. (Isaiah 43:3)
Reading the prayers aloud — from the old prayer book — reminds me how thoroughly I had been shown there was a power greater than I.
O LORD our heavenly Father Almighty and everlasting God who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; Defend us in the same with thy mighty power and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings being ordered by thy governance may be righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ( A Collect for Grace )
Rejoicing
Some of those rote prayers were as healthy seeds that, in His time, the Holy Spirit watered and brought to life.
Epiphany — an actual event — is also what I experienced when I realized and admitted just how empty my barns were. (Being Guided by a Hand I Cannot See)
Therefore, on Epiphany
My wise men are finally at the crèches —both of them — honoring this day when Gentiles beheld the savior of the world.
So much to see around Christmas– it’s easy to lose one’s focus .
The question is not what you look at, but what you see. ~Henry David Thoreau
Yes — an owl landed on the mantel; after Christmas bargain — don’t judge
I hope we see today what those ancient men longed to see, and we cast all our cares on Him who careth for us.
And I hope we are a credible witness to all whom God places in our path in these incredible days. (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)
Finally, you might like this description Epiphany — Frederick Buechner
Lord, thank you for all the startling truth we see played out in history, such as the confounding of Herod. I praise you knowing none of your plans can be thwarted. Amen. (Faith the Matters, page 375)