Epiphany in the Church is the “aha!” moment of Christ — the moment when God reaches into the world and into human history to become one of us.

Shannon Keiser in Huffinton Post reminds us of everyday epiphanies:

“The glorious AHA moment: brilliance seemingly striking out of nowhere, and instantly we have it all figured out. Hello epiphany! I’ve been waiting for you.

Most of us had moments of realizations, whether it’s suddenly seeing your significant others without the rose-colored glasses, or the gut wrenching aha moment where you realize you hate your job but it’s all you know how to do.

Epiphanies are mental moments where we have instant clarity, which can turn into motivation to change and charge forward. But not all epiphanies are created equally. Some demand a deep inward search, and you’ll be stuck asking the tough questions to see what you are made of.
1. You aren’t what people say you are.
What matters most is what you say and feel about yourself. You get to choose, you can let others define you and tell you who you are or you can show them who you are. Be you. The world needs you as you are.

2. Plan B is often better than Plan A.
The most freeing moment in your life is when you let go of what you think is best for you and allow the universe to show you what you really need. Stop holding on to what is no longer working: that job, that relationship, that dream. If it feels like hard work and is causing you more pain than gain, it is time to release it. Instead, follow your heart.

3. You are not the number on the scale.
At the end of your life the weight struggles, the food wars, or the obsession with new diets and trying to look a certain way will have no relevance. The only thing that matters is what is in your heart. How you make people feel and how you make YOU feel is more important than how you look.

4. The journey is more important than the goal.
Yes reaching goals are important, but the actual process of becoming, growing, learning, and morphing into who we need to become is the real sweet stuff that makes a wonderful life. Enjoy the journey as much as the reward.

5. Being alone doesn’t mean you will be lonely. 
The fear of being alone strikes the heart and makes many people settle. But when you learn to love your own company, you will see that you are never really lonely.

6. It will never be all done. 
The to-do lists, the chores, the things we race around to get done, will never be done. It is called life. Situations, chores, to do lists will always unfold. Instead of focusing on the end result, be in the process and celebrate what you have accomplished.

7. You don’t have to find your purpose, it will find you.
The transition period between you were and where you are going can be painful, but on your journey of finding purpose. Recognize that there is purpose in the pain. Each step you take is helping you carve out more of how you really are. Instead of regretting or resisting, try turning inwards and embrace the journey into joy.”

To say it in our way:

• 1. You aren’t what people say you are: You are a child of God and known to God personally by name 
• 2. Plan B is often better than Plan A: especially when you let God lead
• 3. You are not the number on the scale: Nor are you just a face in the crowd–you are important to God.
• 4. The journey is more important than the goal: Remember that Christ’s own ministry was a journey that has never ended
• 5. Being alone doesn’t mean you will be lonely: The people of God are all around you
• 6. It will never be all done: And God will do the heavy lifting–all we are required to do is be faithful 
• 7. You don’t have to find your purpose, it will find you: God is always seeking you out–please listen.

Throughout Epiphany, a “Soup and Study” of Michael Eric Dyson’s book, Tears we cannot stop: A sermon to white America is being offered.

May this season of light and gifts and blessing bring you joy in the New Year!