Epiphany: Light for the Nations | Key Life

Epiphany is the season when we celebrate God’s light breaking into the world through Jesus Christ. The word “epiphany” comes from a Greek word meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.” It’s a reminder that God’s love didn’t stay hidden. In Christ, God revealed Himself not just to Israel but to all people. That’s good news: His light shines for everyone, everywhere.

When is Epiphany?

Epiphany starts on January 6, wrapping up the twelve days of Christmas. Some traditions, like the Anglican and Episcopal churches, extend Epiphany into a season that lasts until Ash Wednesday, preparing us for Lent. During these weeks, the church reflects on five key moments that show Jesus revealing His mission and identity.

The Gospel Revealed 

Each key moment during Epiphany reveals something essential about Jesus and invites us to respond: 

1. The Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)

The Magi—Gentile astrologers from the East—show us that Jesus is not just for Israel. God’s salvation is for everyone, no matter their background. The gifts they bring—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—point to Jesus as King, Priest, and Sacrifice. Their journey reminds us that the gospel transcends borders, calling the church to proclaim this good news to every nation.

2. The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11)

At His baptism, the heavens open, and the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son.” This moment reveals Jesus’ identity and mission. Just as God’s Spirit rested on Christ, marking Him as the one who takes on the burden of sin, we, too, are marked by grace in baptism. Through Christ, we hear the same words: “You are my beloved child.”

3. The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11)

Jesus’ first miracle—turning water into wine—points to God’s abundant grace. Where there is lack, Jesus provides more than we could imagine. This miracle foreshadows the joy of the kingdom of God, inviting us to trust in His provision even when we feel like we’ve run out of hope.

4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-40)

Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as the Messiah, declaring that He is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.” This moment connects the old and new covenants, showing that God’s promises to Israel find their fulfillment in Christ—and extend to all people. Simeon and Anna’s faith invites us to trust God’s promises, even in seasons of waiting.

5. The Calling of the Disciples (John 1:35-51)

When Jesus calls His disciples, He invites ordinary people into His extraordinary mission. His call is grounded in grace, not merit—He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Discipleship isn’t a solo journey; it happens in community as we follow Jesus together.

Living in Epiphany Light 

Epiphany reminds us that God meets us where we are, drawing us into His mission of grace. Just as the Magi followed a star, we’re invited to follow Jesus—even when the path is unclear. And like the disciples, we’re called to proclaim the good news in ordinary moments, trusting that God’s light is shining in and through us.

While this season focuses on happened in the past; it also focuses us on what God is doing now. He is still revealing Himself to the world in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, still calling us to participate in His mission, and still shining His light in the darkest places.

The Light Still Shines 

Epiphany reminds us that Jesus came for us all—for the struggling and the doubting, the broken and the burdened. God’s love isn’t limited to the perfect or the polished. It’s for every tribe, tongue, and nation, including you. And the good news is that His light is still shining, even now, calling us to follow Him and reflect His love to a world in need.

The post Epiphany: Light for the Nations appeared first on Key Life.

Advent- Thirty Days of Jesus: Day 7- The Magi Seek the Child | Elizabeth Prata

Advent- Thirty Days of Jesus: Day 7- The Magi Seek the Child

By Elizabeth Prata

https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6rnwi20ZXLIS28q0EGFFA5?si=s78ddTToQsqAd0dL3agFxw&utm_source=oembed

This beginning part of my Advent series is a presentation of 11 verses overlaid on photos depicting the life of Jesus from prophecy to birth and boyhood.

The next section (#12-16) will feature verses about the Son as an adult God-Man.

From #17-26 we will survey the Preeminence of the Son, His attributes, and His ministry.

From #27-36 we’ll look at His Resurrection, Ascension, & Return.

Yes there are more than 30 verses. I just couldn’t pare it down! So there’s a postlude.

All photos are by EPrata unless otherwise noted.

There is no better refreshment for the soul than to meditate on Him. Enjoy!

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. (Psalm 119:15).

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Today’s verse: now that Jesus has been born, and the angels had announced His arrival to the Shepherds, who went to see with all haste this thing the angels had spoken of, now Jesus must flee. So we see from the first moments of His life, hatred against Jesus for who He is and what He has come to do. And so it will be for anyone IN Christ, as well. But His flight to Egypt did not happen before others made great efforts to come and see the Babe- namely the Magi from the East. It was their gift of gold which enabled the poverty-stricken Joseph and Mary to fund their flight to Egypt. God’s providence is perfect, and so is His timing.

Thirty Days of Jesus Series-

Further Reading

Bible Art: Adoration of the Magi by Giotto, 1320

This picture—at once austere and tender—belongs to a series of seven showing the life of Christ. The masterly depiction of the stable, which is viewed from slightly below, and the columnar solidity of the figures are typical of Giotto, the founder of European painting. The impetuous action of the kneeling king, who picks up the Christ Child, and Mary’s expression of concern translate the biblical account into deeply human terms. Though we know from scripture that the Magi did not arrive the night Jesus was born in the stable, but saw ‘the child’ likely at a house, the act depicted of the King from the East kneeling is representative of Jesus’ stature as King of Kings, even as a baby.

GotQuestions: What Does the Bible say about the Three Wise Men (Magi)?
It is a common misconception that the wise men visited Jesus at the stable on the night of His birth. In fact, the wise men came days, months, or possibly even years later. That is why Matthew 2:11 says the wise men visited and worshiped Jesus in a house, not at the stable.

Answers in Genesis: We Three Kings
The original meaning of mάgoi is likely in view here—wise men who interpreted special signs. There are at least three reasons for this identification. First, they acknowledged that they were interested in signs in the heavens.

Grace To You: Who Were the Wise Men?
Vincent, who has written some very helpful word studies, says in regard to this, “Many absurd traditions and guesses respecting these visitors to our Lord’s cradle have found their way into popular belief and into Christian art.  They were said to be kings and three in number.  They were said to be representatives of three families of Shem, Ham, and Japheth and, therefore, one of them is pictured as an Ethiopian.  Their names are given as Caspar, Balthazar, and Melchior.” 

You’ve probably heard that.  And supposedly their three skulls, amazingly enough, are said to have been found. Yes, they were found “in the twelfth century by Bishop Reinald of Cologne.”  The bishop dug those up and knew right off they were skulls. It’s very clear.  And their eyes were still in the sockets fixed toward Bethlehem.  Today, believe it or not, friends, they are on exhibit in a priceless casket in a great cathedral in Europe. Hmmm. Maybe, we don’t believe it.