Epiphany: “So live as people of light!”
Ephesians 5:6-8 Don’t follow the crowd and do what everybody else is doing. Instead, “live as people of light”!
It’s Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas on which we celebrate the first manifestation of the Christ child to the Gentile magi, who have seen the light (a bright star) and have followed it to offer precious gifts to the child! It is also used in the Christian church as a celebration of Christ’s birth, His baptism by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, and the first miracle at the wedding at Cana.
Regardless of the way that we interpret both the day and the season of Epiphany leading up to the beginning of Lent on February 22, 2023, the important point is to see it as a time to remember Jesus being revealed as the Light of the World.
“Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”
Ephesians 5:6-8 NLT
In these verses from the letter of Paul to the Christians of Ephesus, the Apostle has just finished instructing the believers to continue abstaining from many of the things they used to do, and that many of their neighbors were still doing: “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” (Ephesians 5:3-4 NLT)
Paul specifically calls out the sin of greed, equivocating it with idolatry: “You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” (Ephesians 5:5 NLT)
Paul knows all too well what we as sinful, fallen humanity are capable of doing, so he offers stern advice — don’t follow the crowd and do what everybody else is doing. Instead, “live as people of light”!
Today, as every other day, strive to use the light, the good of our Lord and Savior, to fight temptation and stay away from the darkness.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You on this day for revealing Yourself to humanity, and we worship You with gladness. We ask that as the new year unfolds, we would remember Your divinity, see You as the miracle-working God, and pray that You continue Your mighty works of transformation in our lives. Let us become more like You throughout the year, lead and guide us, comfort and heal us. We worship You and give You glory. In Your holy name we pray, AMEN.