Today, many of us might be re-packing and storing away our Christmas decorations. The Season of Christmas ends on the feast of the Baptism. However we complete the celebration of the events surrounding Jesus’ infancy on the Epiphany, when God chose to manifest himself to the nations. The wise men as gentiles were not accustomed to the Jewish God or religion, hence this revelation is significant to us, to know that Jesus came for the world and not just one group of people. Whosoever believes and accepts Jesus would be saved. This solemnity is also a reminder that, as the wise men followed the star that led them to Christ, we are to follow the light of Christ as we journey with him.
In the first reading we read the impact of this great light as the prophet says: “arise” from spiritual depression to a new life, for your light has come. “In Jesus was life…the light of all humankind. The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).
This is a hard truth to grasp, specially when we are in the middle of battling sicknesses, facing difficulties or injustice. In those moments it seems as though darkness has overcome it. Where’s the light? Where’s justice? Where’s hope? Where is the answer we have been praying for?
I am reminded of the song “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham: “How great the chasm that lay between us, how high the mountain I could not climb In desperation, I turned to heaven and spoke your name into the night
Then through the darkness, your loving kindness tore through the shadows of my soul.”
When we choose to turn to Jesus in the midst of our struggles, his light shines into our darkness and we find joy, peace and hope. This is no empty hope, but one that is filled with his promises that brings us healing.
“Then came the morning that sealed the promise, you declared the grave has no claim on me. Jesus, yours is the victory!”
This is the light that breaks into our darkness and draws us back into God’s higher purpose and plan.

Abba Father, help us to live in our identity as heirs of Christ, and carriers of your glorious light. Amen.