SAY SOMETHING NOTES
January 5, 2022
“Epiphany”
Points to ponder as we discuss the Advent season and Epiphany tomorrow:
How has your relationship with Jesus changed since the beginning of Advent?
Do you identify with a different character now at the end of Advent than the one you identified with at the beginning of Advent? (Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph)
Have you had an Epiphany (manifestation)?
Are you waiting in great anticipation as the Magi and the Shepherds did for your Epiphany?
What are you doing and what is your attitude while you are waiting?
Epiphany in Greek is Epiphaneia meaning “manifestation”.
It is a Christian holiday commemorating the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, represented by the Magi. The Epiphany (manifestation) of His divinity, as it occurred at His baptism in the Jordan River and at His first miracle at Cana in Galilee are also celebrated on January 6th every year. Epiphany is also called: Theophany which means revelation of God; three kings’ day; and 12th day. It is known as the 12 days of Christmas because Epiphany is January 6th which is 12 days after Christmas.
Readings:
Matthew 2:1-12. The Magi’s journey and epiphany.
Luke 2:8-20. The Shepherds’ journey and epiphany.
“God’s plan is perfected by the exactness of our journey.” Laverne Mitchell.
What did the Magi and the Shepherds do “in the meantime”? Their journey was long. What were they thinking or pondering, as Mary did? What were they saying? They were not made mute like Zechariah, so their faith was great to be able to journey all that time and distance and stay in great anticipation. Did they argue that maybe they took a wrong turn or were they in peace the whole journey? How did just a bright star guide them? If someone says go to the manger that is directly under that bright star, could you really find it? To shed some light on the significance of the star see the link below of Rick Larson’s Bethlehem Star on YouTube.
These two scriptures are full of depth. We would have to study them for weeks to glean all the wisdom contained in these passages. One of the many points to ponder is the symbolism of the gifts the Magi brought. These gifts not only gave them their traveling provision, but they are also types and shadows of what Jesus was to be for the world. Frankincense is symbolic of protection. Gold is what is brought to honor a king. Myrrh is a reminder of the preparation of Jesus’ death.
Mary pondered these things in her heart all while raising the Savior. We are blessed by Mary’s example of growing in The Lord. As we continue on our journey that began at Advent and launched at Epiphany let’s do as Mary did and ponder, meditate, on the things the Holy Spirit brings to our thoughts.
Luke 2:19 (AMP) “But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart.”
Luke 2:51 (AMP) “He went down to Nazareth with them and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
Journal - We discussed how during Advent we should open our hearts to be a “manger” so that The Savior could come and be birthed and birth new beginnings in us. As we have made room for Him and wait for the manifestation, the epiphany, what has changed in you? We listened to “Be Born In Me” by Francesca Battistelli as we journaled the above question. Here are some more things to meditate and journal on as we move into the next season:
What is the more anointed version of myself?
Who are you ?
How did God make you?
Why does He need you?
Where is God leading you to lead next?
Ask the Holy Spirit for a word or topic He wants to develop in you this year. Words and topics that have already been shared in the group are: trust, trusting in Him; expectancy; intentional+prepare=intentionally prepare for time with the Lord; hope; foundation.
We discussed praying for one another. It is important to pray for the people and situations the Holy Spirit asks us to pray for. We will not know this side of heaven the deep impact our prayers have on the salvation and lives of people and situations. Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” When someone’s name or face comes to your mind, pray for them. You might be the only one praying for them or that situation. See Ezekiel 22:30 where God could not find anyone to pray for the people and the land.
Resources:
Rick Larson “The Bethlehem Star”
Francesca Battistelli “Be Born In Me”
(If you have any notes you took and want to share them, feel free to send them to me and I can edit this document