The Epiphany
The Orthodox branch of the Christian church observes Epiphany today. Epiphany is the celebration of Christ’s incarnation by remembering Christ’s baptizism or the visitation of the Magi.
Although Orthodox Christians believe the goal of salvation is to become like God (which confuses salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) with sanctification (Ephesians 2:10)), they church has something that most western Protestant churches do not have: the ability to evoke proper adoration of God.
Many western churches eschew emotion, and those that do allow it to detract from the worship of God rather than focus the worship on God (1 Corinthians 14:33). Just as the most emotional Protestants can leave behind proper theology, the Orthodox can as well. The veneration of saints is a typical problem here. However, the sense of awe and mystery that can be generated in an Orthodox service should not be thrown out by conservative Protestants.
Jesus taught we should worship with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27). Too often we only use our minds in the western church. This would be the equivalent to loving your spouse with just your intellect. True commitment, devotion, and love comes by utilizing out whole soul - which includes not only our mind, but our emotions, service, and desires.
What does this have to do with the Epiphany? If we truly have a passion for the Incarnate Savior, shouldn’t we live out that passion by celebrating His humility at the incarnation daily (Romans 12:1)? Shouldn’t we serve Him with exuberance and energy? Shouldn’t our lives be focused on God’s glory (Philippians 2:11 & 1 Corinthians 10:31)? What are we doing today to celebrate the Incarnation today?
Just a thought.
