Epiphany: Jesus, Light of the World
Think of the stars on a dark, cloudless night—small, distant lights scattered across the vast sky, yet enough to bring comfort and direction. Jesus is the brightest of these stars, a light that cannot be hidden, shining not just for a few but for all. Epiphany reminds us that Jesus’ light is meant to be seen by everyone and that we are called to share that light, to be a light that reaches into every corner of the world.
As we celebrate Epiphany, we are reminded of Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” his light—the light that guides us, brings hope, and reveals God’s love to all people. Epiphany is a season that celebrates the truth that Jesus didn’t come for just a few but for everyone. Jesus came as the light of the world to bring all people into the warmth and hope of his love. And because Jesus is the light of the world, he calls us to share that light with everyone we meet.
In Matthew, Jesus tells his followers, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.” When we follow him, we become like lamps that shine for everyone to see. Just as a city’s lights can be seen from far away, our lives are meant to be bright reflections of Jesus’ love and grace. We don’t keep his light to ourselves; we let it shine brightly, guiding all people to his peace and truth.
Epiphany isn’t only about seeing Jesus’ light—it’s about sharing it. Paul calls us “ambassadors for Christ,” messengers who share Jesus’ love and reflect his presence to others. As the Holy Spirit fills us, the light of Jesus transforms us from within, helping us grow to look more like him. We become mirrors, reflecting his love and hope to everyone in need.
Epiphany is a season of discovering Jesus anew, as the Savior for all people. As we read his story, as we draw near to his presence, our hearts become filled with light. And when we are filled with his light, we have to share it! The more we tell Jesus’ story, the more we experience his love and find our own lives transformed by his light.
This message is not about us—it’s about Jesus, who came to be the light for all people. We are simply messengers, carrying his light into the world. When God said, “Let there be light,” he wanted that light to spread through us, reaching everyone and shining his love into the places and lives we touch.
As we celebrate Epiphany, let us remember that we are part of God’s promise to bring light to all people. The one who calls us to “come and see” also sends us to “go and tell.” Let us be like a city on a hill, shining brightly so that everyone can see God’s love through us. Just as God called Israel by name. In Isaiah, Jesus now calls each of us by name, to go forward as his light in the world.
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up,’ and to the south, ‘Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’”
Isaiah 43:1-7
Let us go forth as the light, for we are called by name and created to reflect his glory for all people.
