Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
SEASON OF EPIPHANY
"To Make Known"
Isaiah 60:3, Matthew 1:23, 2:11-12, Luke 2:25-33
By J.D. Griffith
“The Gentiles shall come into thy light, and kings to the brightness of
thy rising.” (Isaiah 60:3). The 12 days of Christmas: from December 25th
to January 6th is the Season of Epiphany. (This time line is different
for various traditions in the Christian church.) The word Epiphany means
“to show”, ”to reveal”, or “to make known”.
Ever notice that many leave their Christmas lights on past New Year’s
Day? One could say they are just lazy, not wanting to pack up the
decorations. Maybe they so enjoy the Christmas season that it’s hard to
pack it away for a whole year. OR they could be celebrating that God
welcomes Gentiles into His family. Whoopee! All people turn into kids
when imaging that to be true. When we read in the Bible that God
considers us joint-heirs with His Son Jesus, we are amazed.
The three kings, or Magi in Matthew, saw the light first. They came to
worship Jesus, bringing gifts to acknowledge their Lord and King. Jesus
came into the world for the Jewish nation as well as for non-Jews as
Messiah. Emmanuel, who the Angels called His name, means God with us, is
really with us. We’re adopted children of God, through Jesus.
He was born so that He could lay down His life for us—all so that we
could share in the inheritance of eternal life.
Luke 2:30-32 correlates the fact that Jesus came to the world as the
incarnate Christ. A man named Simeon, who was promised to see the Lord’s
Christ before his death, saw Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem. He said,
“For my eyes have seen thy salvation which thou has prepared before the
face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of
thy people, Israel.” This “light” is the “revelation” to the Gentiles,
and is the first time we see that Jesus came for all people, of all
nations, all races.
WOW! That’s something for us to celebrate, don’t you think? Maybe we
should leave our Christmas lights on all throughout the year.
Take Home Nugget
Epiphany is now observed as a time of focusing on the mission
of the church in reaching others. “Showing” Jesus as the Savior of all
people is our life’s purpose. We represent Christ every day in every
way. Christian brotherhood and fellowship heals prejudice and bigotry
that too often create dissention among people.
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light.” Matthew 4:16.
“Wise Father, on this Epiphany, thank You for revealing Yourself to
us in Jesus Christ.”
Melody Bonnette
