Dear members and friends of Redeemer,
As we step into this new year and celebrate the season of Epiphany, I find myself drawn to the image of light—how it reveals, how it guides, how it transforms everything it touches.
The Great Reveal
Epiphany means “manifestation” or “revealing,” and in these weeks following Christmas, we witness Jesus revealing himself in extraordinary ways. The Magi follow a star and find the newborn king. At his baptism, the heavens open and God’s voice declares, “This is my beloved Son.” Jesus goes throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Light upon light upon light—each revealing more of who Christ is and what his coming means for the world.
But here’s what strikes me: these revelations aren’t just about Jesus making himself known. They’re about what becomes visible when light enters the world. The Magi’s journey reveals their seeking hearts. The baptism reveals Jesus’s solidarity with humanity. The curing of diseases and sickness reveals his concern with our whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Light reveals. And sometimes what it reveals is us.
Resolutions or Revelations?
This time of year, we’re surrounded by talk of resolutions and self-improvement. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to grow, but I wonder if we’re asking ourselves the wrong question. Instead of “How can I fix myself this year?” what if we asked, “What is God revealing to me? What light is trying to shine through?”
Maybe the real work of a new year isn’t forcing ourselves into better versions through sheer willpower. Maybe it’s removing whatever blocks the light that’s already trying to shine through us—the fears, the grudges, the old stories we tell ourselves about who we are or aren’t.
The Magi didn’t create the star. They followed it. They let themselves be led by light they didn’t conjure. There’s wisdom in that kind of surrender.
Shining Lights
Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
You are already light. Not “you will be light if you try hard enough” or “you should be light.” You are. The question is: what’s the bowl? What are we hiding our light under—whether from fear, exhaustion, doubt, or simply forgetting who we are?
As we journey through this Epiphany season together, I invite you to hold this question gently: Where is God’s light trying to shine through you this year? It might be in a relationship that needs mending, a gift you’ve been afraid to share, a word you’ve been hesitant to speak, or a joy you’ve been reluctant to claim.
An Invitation
In the coming weeks, I’d love to hear from you. If you’re willing, share with me or with our community:
- One way you hope to let your light shine more freely this year
- One area where you’re seeking God’s revelation or guidance
- One “bowl” you’re ready to remove
Let’s not walk this path alone. The Magi traveled together. So can we.
May this season of light reveal to each of us what we most need to see—about God, about ourselves, and about the world we’re called to illuminate.
In the light of Christ,
Keith+
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1