Lingering Light …

With January comes Epiphany, the season of light. Although Christmas lights are being taken down off houses and department stores, Epiphany refers to a different kind of light that lingers in and all around us. It’s the light of hope, possibility, inspiration and peace. The kind that seems to just appear when people help one another or offer kind words. It’s a light of goodness and mercy that rises like steam from any scene where humanity demonstrates compassion. It rises within us filling us with a warmth that prompts a smile representative of deep satisfaction and knowing.

For Christians, Epiphany is time for reading again the story of the Magi or astronomers journeying across the lands to discover where the Christ child representing light and love was born. A discovery that leaves them with a big “aha” as to how light and love changes us, leaving us realizing the best gift we can always offer the world is ourselves filled with love and light, lanterns radiating and guiding the way to such things for others. For some time now, much of the world has adopted the common phrase , “boy was that an Epiphany”, referring to some kind of surprise, “aha” moment or revelation. Of course, the best kind of “epiphanies” are those that inspire us or leave us carried to a deeper knowing that can serve us and the world beyond us. Ironically, this is ultimately the hope of the light from “Christ sightings” or appearances, too. That surprise sightings or experiences of love and grace, generosity and kindness would inspire us to the same kind of actions and thus continue to make the world a better place.

So, even as December is done and January is here, keep your eyes peeled. Some lights may have been taken down, but there is still lots of light to be seen and felt. Christmas may be over but there are plenty of gifts yet to receive, and give. May you discover lots of “epiphanies” this season, and be a part of them for others as well.

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