The Light of the World

Isaiah 60:1-3

January 6^th is observed by Western Liturgical Churches as the Feast of the Epiphany. (Eastern Churches, such as the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches, observe Christmas and Epiphany on different dates.) The word “epiphany” means to “manifest” or to “make known.” On the Feast of the Epiphany, we remember the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Christ Child in Bethlehem.

The sages from the East, whom scholars postulate were Zoroastrians from Persia, saw a very bright new star in the heavens and realized that something extremely important had occurred. Their research into Hebrew scriptures led them to believe that a new King of the Jews had been born. So, they undertook the long and probably arduous journey to search for this infant king.

The “Three Kings” (who probably numbered far more than three) had seen that incredibly bright star and had “streamed to the brightness of its dawning.” When the sages entered the humble abode of the Holy Family in Bethlehem, they must have been overcome by the “glory of the Lord,” for they bowed down to the Child and presented Jesus with extremely costly gifts worthy of a king.

I have a feeling that these very wise men from Persia had been living in gloom and darkness, searching for something that would bring meaning to their lives. Something had compelled them to undertake that long, difficult journey. That star must have pulled them like a magnet to find the source of the light—the divine Light. I wonder how encountering the divine Light of Christ affected them. How were their lives changed after that journey?

The Prologue to the Gospel of John contains several references to Christ as light, including this one from John 1:6-8:

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. (NRSV).

Jesus himself said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” John 8:12 (NRSV).

There is a wonderful painting by William Holman Hunt entitled The Light of the World. Actually, there are two paintings. The version reproduced here hangs in Keble College at Oxford University. The second version hangs in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Holman based this painting on Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (American Standard Version).

Holman, who lived from 1827 to 1910, said that he felt a “divine command” to create the picture. In the painting, we see Christ standing at a door that has no handle and can only be opened from the inside. The entry has become overgrown with vegetation and obviously has long been unopened. The door represents, in Holman’s words, “the obstinately shut mind.”

In 2007, I visited the chapel at Keble College, Oxford University, and spent time contemplating this painting. It made me wonder how often I refuse to open the door when Jesus calls to me. How often are my heart and mind “obstinately shut,” wrapped up in my own concerns, my own agenda, my busy life that too-often leaves no time for Christ? How often do I live in darkness, wallowing in despair, self-pity, or hatred of others? Do I refuse to allow the Light of Christ to crack the darkness of my soul and melt my cold heart?

During this Season after the Epiphany, in which we celebrate the “making known” of the Divine Light of Christ to the world, I invite us all to open the doors of our “obstinately shut minds” to allow the Light of Christ to brighten our dark lives. May our despair be turned to hope; our sadness to joy; our hatred to love. May those of us who sit in darkness see and welcome a great light. May our hearts be filled with the extravagant love of Christ. And may we radiate that light and love for the world to see.

To close, I am sharing a prayer by Celtic liturgist and theologian Ray Simpson. May this Epiphany Season bring us all light, love, and peace.

For those who seek a Saviour,

we lead them to the stable,

to the One who was born to bring freedom, forgiveness, liberty.

For those who seek assurance,

we lead them to the Light,

to the One who opens eyes to

understanding God’s Word, Truth.

For those who seek forgiveness,

we lead them to a Grace beyond comprehension:

to wholeness, healing, peace.

Lord, make us channels of your light, love and peace –

signs of your Presence, we pray. Amen.