Hope of The World

Epiphany is the day we celebrate the Magi, bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, recognizing that God’s gift in Christ was meant for everyone.

It is a day of celebration and joy. I like that it always occurs in the very beginning of a new year. It helps me ground myself in hope as I face the unknown possibilities and challenges offered in the days, weeks and months to come.

Are you hopeful as we face the new year?

In his book Agents of Hope: A Pastoral Psychology, Donald Capps says that the primary task of the pastor is to offer hope. For Capps, the threats to hope are despair, apathy and shame. These burdens we carry dash hope and cause the lights within us to dim.

How will you help those around you face into their despair to see glimmers of possibilities? How will you help people shake off apathy and move to engagement? How can you help others heal from whatever shame they carry so they can claim their self-worth?

Hope is an essential element of a human being fully human. Through hope, we see that the past doesn’t have to dictate our future. Through hope, we know that another’s damaging judgement about our worthiness cannot dim the light of God that shines within us. Through hope, we can face whatever challenges us.

This is one reason why I love Epiphany. As John’s Gospel reminds us, the true light, which enlightens everyone, has come into the world. The Hope of the World is with us! May we, like the Magi, find this One who brings us Hope.