That’s the refrain of the favorite Christmas carol We Three Kings, the theme song for the arrival of the magi at the manger on Epiphany.  The official date for Epiphany is January 6--twelve days after Christmas.  We will celebrate it in church this Sunday, January 8.
 
A Google search for the word “epiphany” (or for almost any word) brings up a graph showing how often the word has been used over the last forty years.  I was interested that the use of “epiphany” is higher now than at any other time on the graph.  Why?
 
Could it be that we have a growing interest in or need for the special insight or revelation that comes with an epiphany?  Maybe there is a hunger for the kind of spiritual awareness that leads to a better, more-fulfilled life.  Maybe there is actually a hunger for change--for the kind of transformation that really makes a difference.
 
It makes sense that the symbol of our Epiphany (capital “E”) is a rising star.  Stars have always held a certain ineffable, mystical quality, which would reflect the mystery of any epiphany, and especially the Epiphany of the twelfth day of Christmas.
 
Did you see the incredibly bright moon and star on New Year’s night?  The star was Venus, trailing the moon as it moved across the sky.  It was a wonder-full sight.  While we know the science behind it, the sight still excites awe and mystery.
 
2017 is going to be a very good year for St. Mark’s, and it begins with the sighting of a star, and the insight that God is leading us to something new.  We are invited into an amazingly insightful transformation.
 
What an incredible journey we are undertaking together.  I’m glad you’re here!
 
See you in church.
 
Craig