January sixth means different things to the various communions of the Christian church. For hundreds of millions of Orthodox Christians this is Christmas day, so a merry and blessed Christmas to them.
For Protestants and Roman Catholics who follow the church year this is the conclusion of the twelve days of the Christmas season (yes, as in the song Twelve Days of Christmas and the play Twelfth Night.) The sixth is the Feast of Epiphany and in congregations where there will be worship today the gospel reading is the story of the journey of discovery by the Magi, the astologers/astronomers from Persia who sought and paid homage to the child Christ.
It's a good story because when we use the word "epiphany" we often associate it with an "aha" moment of awareness or discovery. For the Magi the epiphany required commitment and time and even risk.
In a changing church I doubt we are going to have one of those "aha" moments about the transition from a Christendom where just about everyone was on board with the conventions of faith to what will continue to be a community in transition.
Maybe it is significant that artworks often portray the Magi on the backs of camels even though they aren't mentioned in Matthew's gospel. The joke is that a camel is a horse put together by a committee and we do struggle at times to pull together new images of ministry which are effective. I must admit that I sometimes wonder how many more sleeps to retirement because church life can be rather frustrating.
Perhaps my biggest frustrations are the debilitating effects of nostalgia when folk hark back to another era, along with the reluctance amongst some to be committed to the journey of faith in the present. We really need the considerable gifts of a younger generation to be vital, rather than the lumps of coal in the form of excuses. I suppose we simply choose to keep following the star, anticipating the discovery of Christ for this moment rather than mooning over the past or fearing the future. I am encouraged by the faith and readiness of some of our teens. Recently one of our 17-year-olds wondered if he might be a candidate for chair of our congregational board. While he need a bit more seasoning I admire his willingness and we are determined to nurture his leadership skills.
What does Epiphany mean to you? Any observations or epiphanies about the changing church?
Got your camel ready?
3 comments:
Transition is certainly underway in our faith community, and in the broader context too. What we're transitioning TO, however, eludes me at present.
The Epiphany cake is in the oven for the JYP group at St Paul's tonight. We'll eat a crown shaped cake (who knew?) and make a star and a candle holder, and discuss the what's next as Christian's as Christmastime ends.
I had read a number of reflections this year that commented on honouring this celebration by extending Christmas cheer and goodwill for 12 days rather than packing it up on Boxing Day. While this sentiment has some merit, it doesn't quite rally an "epiphany",for me.
Working with our loyal young folk, and their very supportive parents, is such a blessing. Amidst the dire statistics of dwindling church numbers, I see hope daily in theses families and their commitment, without excuses, to the faith-life of their families.
Thanks for both of your responses. I'm sure we all appreciate your reminder of the hope evident through our young people Laura.
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