Pilgrim's Progress column: Seeking and finding
In many parts of the Christian church, January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany. Growing up in Scotland this was not part of my church tradition, so I thought some research was needed. I was interested to find different practices associated with this festival.
These include plunging into icy water, blessing the home by writing a formula above the entrance, and eating ‘King’s Cake’. This last is a reminder that Epiphany, coming as it does 12 days after Christmas, celebrates the arrival of the Kings (Wise Men or Magi) who came to worship the baby Jesus.
A few days ago three young boys treated me to a sweet rendition of ‘We Three Kings of Orient are’. They had learnt this at school in Wakefield, but all three are Iranian. There was a certain completeness about this as the Magi are described as having travelled from the east and therefore often assumed to have come from Iran.
The arrival of the Kings reminds us that Jesus came to this world, not only as the Saviour promised to the Jews, but to bring light and salvation to all. The meaning of the word ‘epiphany’ is revelation. In Jesus God is revealed – and He continues to reveal Himself to both kings and shepherds; rich and poor.
These days many come to our city from the east and the south to escape persecution, war and oppression. They are looking for peace and security. Forced into uncertainty and poverty they are discovering that God is here. He is ‘Immanuel’ – God with us – the ‘Prince of Peace’ – the same one whose birth we have just celebrated.
An old Jewish proverb says of God ‘those that seek me early shall find me.’ He is here for each one of us, no matter who we are or where we come from, waiting patiently to bring light and life to all who ask Him. Wise Men still seek Him!
Flora Davies
Wakefield Baptist Church