Celebrating the Epiphany: Revelations and Our Discipleship Journey

Author

Elder Jim Fairchild

The Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, is a significant event in the Christian calendar that marks the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. This celebration highlights the journey of the Three Kings, also known as the Wise Men or Magi, who followed a star to honor the newborn king with their treasures. This profound story not only commemorates a pivotal moment in Christian theology but also serves as an inspiring metaphor for our own personal journey of discipleship. 

The Journey of the Magi

The journey of the Magi is a story rich with symbolism and meaning. These wise men, often thought to be astrologers or scholars from the East, embarked on a long and arduous journey, guided by a mysterious star, to find and honor the newborn king. Upon their arrival, they presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each carrying its own symbolic weight—gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh for suffering and death.

The Magi's journey is a testament to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, they faced, their determination to follow the star and find Jesus reflects a deep commitment to discovering and acknowledging the divine. 

Scripture Reference  Matthew 2:1-12 NRSV

Relating the Epiphany to
​Our Personal Discipleship Journey

The narrative of the Epiphany and the journey of the Magi offers profound insights into our own discipleship journey. Just as the Magi were guided by a star, we too are called to seek and follow the light of Christ in our lives. This journey often requires us to step out in faith, embracing the unknown and overcoming obstacles along the way.

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”   
​Matthew 5:14-16 NSRV

​Seeking Truth and Wisdom

Like the Magi, our discipleship journey involves a continuous quest for truth and wisdom. This means being open to learning, exploring our faith deeply, and allowing ourselves to be transformed by the teachings and example of Jesus.

Disciples are called to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the scriptures so that they may ever increase in love for God, neighbor, and self; uphold the dignity and worth of all persons, and faithfully follow the way of Jesus Christ.

Offering Our Gifts

The gifts of the Magi remind us to offer our own gifts of our talents, treasure, time, and testimony. In our journey of discipleship, we are called to use these gifts to serve others and to contribute to the building of Christ’s Peaceable Kingdom.

“God calls whomever God calls from among committed disciples, according to their gifts, to serve and reach all humankind.”
D&C 165:4a

Embracing the Journey

The path of discipleship is not always straightforward. It requires resilience, patience, and trust in God's guidance. Embracing this journey means being willing to adapt, grow, and persevere, even when the road is challenging.

When your call to follow Christ in Mission comes; understand that He has a plan for your gifts and talents. If you place your trust in Him and listen carefully to his call, He will use your gifts in a manner which best suits his Mission, and not necessarily what you might expect.

“The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead.” 
D&C 164:9f

The celebration of the Epiphany and the story of the Magi provide a rich tapestry of symbolism and inspiration for our personal discipleship journey. As we reflect on this event, let us be reminded of the divine revelation in Christ’s call to put our lives into mission is a powerful reminder of our purpose as believers. Responding to this call requires a deep commitment to living a life that is centered on compassion, justice, and peacemaking. 

Ministry is humble service offered by disciples who follow Jesus. It is creating relationships that inclusively share Christ’s peace and boundless love.  Disciples choose to accept God’s grace, ground themselves in God’s love for them and all people, and generously share Christ’s peace with everyone they meet.  

 “My Spirit is reaching out to numerous souls even now and there are many who will respond if you, my people, will bear affirmative testimony of my love and my desires for all to come unto me.”  
D&C 153:9b

May our Discipleship Journey, like that of the Magi, lead us to a deeper understanding and experience of God's love and presence in our lives, and the lives of those we meet on our journey.