Today is Epiphany, a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate principally (but not solely) the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, and thus Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God.
Hebrews 1:3 tells us “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” As we celebrate the Wise Men taking their gifts to Jesus and take down our Christmas decorations, entering into the New Year with hope and grace, let us remember that now we are the ones “being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18) May we learn to reflect His glory and show His likeness to the world, for we are called to be His witnesses and to take the good news of the gospel wherever we go.