Sights and Insights
Devotion for Jan. 12, 2021
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
The Day of Epiphany fell on a Wednesday this year, and so we did not have a Sunday that focused on Epiphany itself. We move directly into the Baptism of Jesus and then the larger season of Epiphany. While we did not have a worship service for Epiphany, we did have a wonderful children’s Epiphany Party. There is something appropriate about celebrating the sense of wonder and awe that we associate with the Magi by having an event for children. It was a joy to see so many children participating, and to have so many adults involved in making it happen. Many thanks to Karen, Peggy, Denise, Aurelia, Deacon Bill, and Cantor Dave for putting together a memorable evening.
There are a variety of themes to be found in Epiphany, but an important one is the ability to wonder at the world. The Magi looked with wonder at the world around them and noticed the star. They were so moved by it that they followed it relentlessly and were lead to find Jesus. Having that kind of wonder is to be in awe of the majesty and mystery of God. This awe or wonder is also a way of speaking of the fear of the Lord. In Proverbs, it tells us that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This means that the ability to feel the sense of wonder, like the Magi did, is the path to wisdom and insight that culminates in coming to know God, just as the Magi did. Having a party for Epiphany, then, is the perfect way of calling us back to the childlike wonder that leads us to faith. May that kind of awe guide us not just for the day of Epiphany or even for this season, but each and every day.