Our Eternal Advent; the lightbulb moment

As the clocked struck 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2021, I had this lightbulb moment. Many of us have struggled through this last year. But with the turning of the calendar, there is a sense of illumination. The new year seems brighter, filled with excitement, as we lunge forward leaving the old behind. It is as if we have seen the light.

Having a lightbulb moment is sort of like having an epiphany. That moment when the stars align and your mind is filled with new insight and possibility. Ironically, January 6th is marked as Epiphany on our Christian calendar and is observed as “a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.”

Our light has come. 

The definition of epiphany is: 

1. an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being
2. an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking
3. an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him….”

^“…the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.“

The Magi saw the star, knew what it represented and followed that light straight to Jesus. Bowing down before this new King, it did not matter that they were not Jewish. Instinctively they knew, this was not just any king, this is the Savior of the world!

My epiphany

Epiphanies come when the time is right and knowledge can be received for a greater purpose. As I re-read this story in Matthew, I had my own lightbulb moment. I never quite understood the celebration of Epiphany in our Christian faith. I knew it came after the birth and always gave me reason to linger passed Christmas. But I never fully grasped its meaning.

This year, as I was writing this blog, the stars lined up and the lightbulb came on. I understood two things;

1. Jesus was born King. He did not become a king. He has always been our King. This is His purpose and our destiny.
2. The Magi realized Jesus is not a king of a select group of people. Jesus is and has always been King of us all!

As I had the above realization, my head knowledge became heart knowledge, and I immediately began singing that old bluegrass hymn, “I Saw the Light.” God longs to have a deep intimate relationship with us. Each and every one of us. He sent His son to show us the way. “Arise, shine, for your light has come.”  Our light has come and that light is here. My prayer is that you have your own lightbulb moment. And not just one, but many moments, as you realize the God of the entire universe loves you!

Let us pray; God of all that is, enlighten our minds to the reality of who You are. Impart on us wisdom and understanding so that we may grasp how much You love us. Help us to love You like You love us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Here’s that old song. I hope you will take a listen. (If you can’t see the YouTube, open this message from your browser.) Leave me a comment below and tell me about your own  lightbulb moment. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe. Share on Facebook and tag me in  your message. -M