We all like books or movies where the main character discovers that they have a secret identity and when they discover it, their life changes forever. Mia Thermopolis in the Princess Diaries is a geeky, nondescript teenager until her grandmother comes to inform her that she is heir to a European country and she is thrust into the spotlight, needing to be groomed to become a royal princess. Harry Potter is a child noticed only for his mistakes, except of course for his occasional outbursts of magic. It isn’t until his eleventh birthday that his past is revealed and he is off to Hogwarts to train as a wizard.
Just think if we discovered we had inherited a kingdom or that we had unique powers that only a few possess. Wouldn’t we too be excited to launch off into a new adventure, leaving our old life behind?
Epiphany was January 6th and the word Epiphany means “revealed”. We celebrate the revealing of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.
We don’t know much about Jesus’ life after his birth until the story of Jesus in the Temple when he was twelve (Luke 2:41-49). Although Jesus knew who He was, his secret identity began to be revealed to others.
Jesus was about 30 years old when he was baptized in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. It is at that moment that we understand that not only is He God’s son, He is beloved, He is chosen, and He is given a special identity.
“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-23)
Have you experienced your own epiphany realizing that you are indeed a Child of God? When our true identity is revealed through Christ, we are sent out to live a new purpose. Living out our true identity in Christ changes our life forever.
Blessings,
Agatha
<Based upon excerpts from the sermon at The TABLE, January 8, 2012 by The Rev. Sarah Kerr>