Epiphany: God Revealing Himself to Those Who Are Searching
We are now in the season of Epiphany, which began on January 6th and continues until February 17th, giving way to Lent. Epiphany may be one of the most missed and misunderstood seasons in the church year, and that is a bummer - because the meaning of epiphany is so deeply relevant for us today in post-Christian New England.
Epiphany centers on a profound truth: that the God of the universe reveals Himself. The word epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.” This season is a celebration of God making Himself known—not only to religious insiders, but to the nations, and to the unlikely outsiders.
Epiphany begins with the Magi. They were not part of Israel’s covenant people. They were pagans…outsiders. And yet, they were paying attention. They noticed a star others ignored. They followed it across borders, cultures, and assumptions, trusting that the light they saw meant something. And God honored their pilgrimage by leading them to Jesus.
Epiphany reminds us God is not hidden from the world. He is active, revealing Himself to those who are looking, even when their searching begins in imperfect, confused, or unfamiliar ways.
We live in a post-Christian culture where many have rejected inherited faith but not the innate human hunger for meaning and ultimately for God. Our secular way of life, though full of comfort and choice, is marked by an undeniable emptiness. Many people no longer know the language of church, but they are deeply aware that something is missing. Like the Magi, they are “watching the sky,” even if they do not yet know what they are looking for.
Let me tell you about my friend Autumn. I first met Autumn at an Alpha class. The first words out of her mouth were, “I need you to know I’m a pagan witch.” “Amazing!” I responded, “what brought you to Alpha?” She told me.
One night, at her pagan altar, Autumn had a vision of Jesus. He told her, “I’m here when you’re ready for me.” That moment did not instantly resolve everything in her life, but it awakened something. She began a search. Which led her to Alpha. Then to church. Then, a year later, Autumn was baptized.
I’m here to tell you that New England is full of Autumns.
These seekers may not be in our churches, but they are in our cities and towns, spiritually searching, experimenting, longing, and looking. God is drawing these unlikely people to himself and he wants to use us, our prayers, our words, our presence, our friendship, to do it. If we will make ourselves available.
As signers of the New England Revival Covenant, we are praying for God to activate the church, breaking our hearts, and opening our lives to people like Autumn. Let’s enter Epiphany 2026 by asking God to do his thing in our time - revealing himself to those who need to know him. Setting them on a spiritual journey like the Magi. And preparing us to be guides and friends who will encourage and guide them on their way to Jesus.
Rev. Greg Johnson
Director, Revive New England