Sunday 3rd January – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Reflection: Isaiah 60:1-6

EPIPHANY (Manifestation)

Happy Sunday, beloved in Christ. The joy of the new born King, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour is certainly the dawn of a new dispensation and should call our attention to what is expected to happen in our lives as followers of Christ. Just as the prophet Isaiah admonished us not to cling to the events of the past (Isaiah 43:18-19), let us move forward to a reality and manifestation of the powerful presence of Christ amidst us by living a life that reflects him.

Dear friend, to arise and shine just as the motto of CYON says is not an option or a function of strength which our youthful nature always likes to showcase. The origin and source of our light is Christ. It is the light of Christ that shines (Isaiah 60:2). This is the reason why we have no option but to be radiant. Since it is God’s who chose us to shine, then you can be assured that shining this light is eternal as long as we abide in his presence. You can be a carrier of Christ wherever you are by always creating an atmosphere of love, peace and Christ-like affection especially in places where people have lost touch of God’s love and have sunk deeply into malice and other evil manifestations.

Be determined to make a change and to be different for Christ everywhere you find yourself. Above all, your light must draw others to Christ just as the star drew the three wise men from the East to the new born King (Matthew 2:2). Christ’s manifestation in our lives must be a testimony to others and must endure through all seasons of life. That is the glory of God shown through his creatures.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in your light I see light, help me to always manifest your glorious presence. May your light in me never dim but continue to shine brighter and brighter as long as I live. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 205 – What happens in Confirmation?

In confirmation, the soul of a baptized Christian is imprinted with a permanent seal that can be received only once and marks this individual forever as a Christian. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the strength from above in which this individual puts the grace of his Baptism into practice through his life and acts as a “witness” for Christ.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Arise, Shine; for your light has come, and glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1 RSV-CE

Readings for today: Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72, Ephesians 3:2-6, Matthew 2:1-12