We just celebrated the feast of Epiphany…the revelation of Jesus, the Son of God, to the Gentiles.  This year, because of the way the days fell, Christmas, the feast of the Holy Family, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and Epiphany were all squeezed together in a little over just one week!  We hardly had time to savor the moment, the feast we were celebrating, and we were on to the next one.  

Did we really have time to understand this gift that Jesus is to us?  Did we miss the wonder of it all, that God chose to come to earth as a tiny babe, small and vulnerable, out of great love for us?  If we are truly present to the gift of wonder in our lives, we will have these “epiphany” moments when something hidden will become clearer to us.  Usually when that happens, something shifts inside us and change happens.  

The Magi were following a star and trusting in the unknown as they journeyed far from home seeking this “King” of their revelation.  Was it only their cosmic map leading them or was it God’s Providence speaking to the depth of their souls?  In their long journey the Magi were gifted with new eyes to see more deeply the gift of Jesus and understand what God has done for us.  

Now we are called to be that gift to others, to seek the gift of Jesus in our lives, recognize the wonders we have been given, and share them.  The world today is in need of wonder, of insights, of new revelations, of kindness, care, and concern.  Each of us, because of who Jesus is for us, has gifts to bring and offer freely.  If we unwrap them for others, perhaps the world will begin to see and act with new eyes and a new heart–a portal will be opened–and the wonder of it all–God with us–will be realized.

As we draw near to the end of this Christmas season, I wish each of you a Happy New Year, and may your eyes be opened to all the “epiphanies” that come your way so that you, too, will see the wonder of it all!

Barbara McMullen, CDP