We can offer hope and joy to those around us.
The Feast of Epiphany marks the conclusion of the Christmas season and
the beginning of a new chapter. We take down the Christmas tree, pack away the
manger scene and decorations until next year. This transition signals the end of
the festive season and a return to routine. Yet, the Epiphany offers us a profound
opportunity to carry the essence of Christmas into the New Year.
Epiphany, meaning “manifestation,” celebrates the revelation of Christ to the
world. Traditionally, this is symbolized by the visit of the Magi, which represents
the recognition of Jesus by the Gentiles. This feast invites us to reflect on the
significance of God becoming human. The question arises: “Why did God
become human?” The answer is awe-inspiring: “So that we might become
divine.” This underscores the transformative power of the Incarnation, not just as
a historical event but as a call to recognize our divine potential, inspiring us to
strive for the divine in our daily lives.
The Epiphany encourages us to carry forward the light and joy we have
experienced during Christmas. Inspired by the Prophet Isaiah’s words: “Rise up
in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon
you,” we are reminded to let the light of Christ guide us throughout the year.
Carrying Christmas into the ordinary days involves more than just memories
of holiday cheer. It calls us to embody the values of love, generosity, and hope in
our daily lives. We can transform ordinary interactions into meaningful
connections by recognizing the divine in ourselves and others. This ongoing
manifestation of Christ in our actions, day after day, can bring a deeper sense of
purpose and fulfillment, connecting us to a higher calling.
We are called to see Christ in the faces of everyone we meet and recognize
their inherent worth and dignity, regardless of their circumstances or actions. It
involves making choices that reflect our newfound human and divine dignity. By
treating others with compassion and kindness, we honor the true meaning of
Christmas and allow its spirit to permeate throughout the year,
As we embrace the New Year, the Jubilee Year – a Holy Year of Hope, let us
strive to manifest the “glory of the Lord” in our lives, which is the divine presence
and grace. This journey doesn’t end when the decorations are packed away;
instead, it begins anew with each day. By carrying the spirit of Epiphany into
2025, we can illuminate our world with the light of Christ. This ‘light of Christ’ is
His love through His teachings and actions, the compassion He demonstrated in
His interactions, and the hope He inspired in His followers. By embodying these
values, which are the essence of the “light of Christ,” we can bring hope and joy
to those around us.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor