Sermon for Feast of the Epiphany (2026): The Slow Reveal

Feast of the Epiphany: The Slow Reveal

Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

The Reverend Paul D. Allick, Church of the Advent, Jan. 6, 2026

It started for Moses with a burning bush which was never

consumed. Jacob and Mary of Nazareth were visited by

angels. Joseph, the son of Isaac and Joseph the husband of

Mary were guided in dreams. Mary of Magdala ever so

slowly recognizes Christ at the tomb. Paul was knocked off

of his horse and blinded by a light. John the Divine was

brought up into heaven in a vision and given revelation about

the meaning of time, the Church, and the ultimate rule of

Christ the Lamb.

These are the many ways God manifested his will to our

spiritual ancestors. Some manifestations happened in a

flash; others were revealed more slowly. But as a whole, the

revelation of God’s Will unfolded methodically over time.

Each of our ancestors had to open wide their hearts and

minds to God. Immeasurable trust was essential for them.

None of them knew how the story would end.

This Feast of the Epiphany marks a particular manifestation

of God’s Will. And the manifestation continues for us

communally and individually.

Understanding God’s manifestations is a progression of

discovery. It is about us opening ourselves to what is going

on around us and within us. Where is God at work now?

God has manifest himself to each of us in some way or we

would not be here at the Holy Eucharist. One way or another

you have been invited here.

Think of all the ways you have been called. Think about all of

the ways you have experienced the power of God, the mercy

and healing of Christ, and the inspiration and comfort of the

Holy Spirit. Think about those manifestations especially if

you are not feeling any of them in life right now.

One year around Epiphany, the Catholic Radio Station

invited callers to share their stories of epiphanies.

For one woman it happened during a severe thunderstorm.

As she watched the storm she began to understand the

power of God. She wasn’t really religious, but something

happened in that moment. The knowledge of God’s power

entered into her soul and has remained there. She was

converted to a deeper faith.

Another caller told how he was looking at a painting

depicting St. Peter trying to walk on the water. As Peter sinks

down Jesus reaches out to save him. Later this man was on

his fishing boat. It all hit him. Jesus was reaching out to him.

He was going to Church and what not, but he had never

really felt Christ’s love so personally. It changed his life.

Each of us in our spiritual walk is like the three Magi we hear

of tonight. We are searching and looking for Christ in our

lives. We are following the signs in our lives. In tremendous

trust we keep going even when we are not sure of what lies

ahead or cannot make sense of the present.

God is manifesting himself to us. Tonight we see him as an

infant born to a human mother yet fully divine. It is only the

first sign of many to come. We keep following the story. We

keep waiting for it all to unfold.

Throughout this next Church Year, it will unfold. We will

follow Christ through his baptism, his testing in the

wilderness, his preaching, teaching and healing, to his cross,

onto his resurrection, to his ascension and finally to his

giving each of us the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Each point along the way is an opening, a beginning. Faith in

Christ is a process. Through the liturgical year we are being

transformed by living through the story over and over. And as

we once again traverse through this story of Christ and the

Church, we will build upon each epiphany. And at our last

breath we will see it all in its wholeness.

It begins with the leading of a star. And now we pray that

God will lead us who now know him by faith to his presence

where we will see his glory face to face.