I started this journey back in in 2014. As we traditionally celebrated the “Three Kings” day and I was trying to explain why this was so culturally relevant for me, someone told me, today the Church celebrates epiphany. I had no idea what that was and yet I celebrated the day when the Magi arrived to worship Jesus. As a Child, we used to get excited because the kings were coming… And of course, they left gifts for the children. It was such a great tradition. To this day, we still celebrate this day in Puerto Rico with parades, activities and family gatherings.
My inquisitive nature and curiosity lead me to investigate more about this “Epiphany” and little did I know I was embarking into a journey. I discovered that Epiphany, as is called traditionally in Christianity is a festival celebrated on January 6th to commemorate the arrival of the wise men who came to see Jesus Christ soon after he was born. It is considered as the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the story of the Magi as we see it in the book of Matthew 2:1–12. In some Christian traditions, it is celebrated as the “incarnation” of Christ. Wow, and we just called it “Three Kings” day, but I wanted to learn more about this “epiphany” I discovered, and I wanted more!
Epiphany means a moment of revelation, insight or understanding. For me this was powerful and interesting because the Magi had a moment of revelation, a vision of the birth, the birth of a King, not just a King, The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. A vision so powerful that lead the Magi onto a Journey to find a child… A child destined to release the Kingdom of Heaven unto the world! I found this remarkably interesting because the vision took them unto a Journey. In their case, they had to travel for a long time, some say, up to two years to see it manifested. I believe this is a powerful picture for us today… They left behind everything to seek and embark on a journey. In our case, our journey might not be physical, but it can certainly be a passage or progress from one stage to another.
Wow! I decided that from that momentI was going to celebrate Christmas differently! I was thirsty to have this epiphany; so, I purposed myself to have 12 days of Christmas! In this case, instead of gifts, I was determined to unwrap a new insight each day! It was going to be a 12-day journey, 12 meditations to remember, to be grateful, and to find peace and joy, but most importantly a vision for the year ahead.
In my 12 days of Christmas Journey, every year I progressed through 12 days of simple meditations and bible readings in preparation for the season ahead or New Year. In this fast forward society of business and commitments, especially during the holidays, we strive to connect and spent time with friends and family, but as we fill our agendas with parties and activities to fellowship let’s not forget the true reason behind the celebrations. We all can spare a few minutes a day unwrapping a truth that will refresh us and re-energize us.
I encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to transform you. Do not be conformed! It is time to arise and follow the Star… Follow the vision for the path ahead and allow God to use you to release the KINGDOM of heaven into the earth. It is my hope that you can experience a new beginning that will bring you peace, joy, and a new vision for the season ahead and many blessings as you move forward.
Great grace be with you,
The Reverend Barbara Velez