An epiphany is “a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you.”

Several years ago I had an epiphany. I was sent, by my doctor, to the hospital emergency room with an abnormal heartbeat, an arrhythmia. It was serious enough I had to stay several days. During my hospital stay, I had a procedure to “shock” my heart back into rhythm.

I had an Epiphany

It was in preparation for the procedure I had my epiphany.

The doctors and nurses were explaining to me what was going to happen, how long it would take, and that I had nothing to worry about. As the anesthesiologist began to explain what she was going to do, I said, “You are the one who will put me to sleep.”

She smiled politely and said, “Actually, I am here to wake you up.”

What an epiphany!

Let’s Wake Up

Isn’t that the mission of the church? We are here to help individuals, groups, communities to wake up to God’s love. Isn’t the work of every one us as followers of Jesus to wake up to God’s love? To wake up to the love we have experienced and know in and through Jesus?

The season of Epiphany is about naming God’s presence. God is with us. Now, how to recognize God’s presence and invite those around us into God’s presence?

We’ve found it helpful to follow a rhythm of reading, reflecting, responding to Scripture. We invited you into this practice during Advent. We’re looking forward to Epiphany to continue this practice. We’re calling it, Awaken to God’s Presence. Click the button below and “sign up” if you’re ready to wake up.

Let’s Think Differently

What would happen if this new year, you and I think differently about ministry? Let’s begin to become more aware of God’s presence and invite people to participate in God’s presence. Imagine what could happen if we do.

Let’s share the moments of becoming conscious of the presence of God with people from the congregation, with family and friends, with neighbors and members of the community.

After all, we are entering the season of Epiphany where we are awakened to what God is doing in Jesus.

How will you lead the church to awaken your community to God’s love this year? Let us know in the comments below.