“We saw His star at its rising.” —Matthew 2:2

As this new year unfolds, we enter a new dimension of our lives, passing from Christmas to Epiphany which means “manifestation.”

Epiphany is also called “Little Christmas” because it represents our response to Christ, to what He means for us. Christmas represents God coming to us; Epiphany represents us coming to God.

During this time, we recall that we are Children of the Light, like the three Magi of old, who followed the light of Christ that brought them to Bethlehem. This light of Christ continues to shine in the lives of those who accept Him into their hearts.

We are recipients of three marvelous gifts of Faith, Hope and Love which we are called upon to share with one another. Let us take time now to delve deeper into the treasure which we possess. Now, right now, is the time to wake up and discover the reality of God’s presence, the span of His goodness, and the breath of His love in your life.

You can make plans for the future or recall memories from the good old days, but the only time you have is the moment at hand. You are a partner with God in the totally unpredictable, present moment. This is the good news of the Epiphany. God loves you so much He wants to be one with you.

Think about it — the only time that is truly yours is this time, right now, where you are. You may be very good at preparing for the future, for a degree, for a career, for a house. But the question is, are you good at living? There are many wonderful things that uplift the human spirit and inspire us to keep on living. Things like music, poetry, song, dance, architecture, painting, drama, ballet, and literature are just a few of the things that enrich our lives.

But the greatest art of all, I am convinced, is the art of living. Why? Because it improves the quality of your day, creates harmony in your life, and brings to the fore the transforming power of love. This is the art, the task of being a Christian.

We are living in a time when people are tempted differently than they were in times past. The modern revolution in communications technology has not brought people together the way that many experts had envisioned. There are many positive aspects to the Internet and social media, such as the ability to communicate instantly via text or email from any location, and the ability to call upon libraries of information and search through them quickly. But all these developments come with a price, and can easily morph into double-edged swords. For example, the level of interpersonal relationships has suffered because of these ever-present and all-absorbing new forms of communication technologies. Paradoxically, we are electronically connected to everyone but, in reality, are in relationship with no one. People mindlessly prefer to watch life on YouTube or Netflix rather than live it in real life. Family relationships have been fragmented. People crave to be whole again, but are at a loss on how to achieve it.

This is a good time to improve the quality of your life rather than increase the speed with which you live it. Make time for your family and your friends. Don’t take your iPhone, your iPad or your laptop to the dining room table when you sit down for a meal. This is your personal time and don’t let the new technology take it away from you. Don’t be afraid to be a friend to someone who has no friend. Only you, not a computer, can do that. Time spent like this is never a waste of time. It is of the essence.

The story of the Magi (The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2) is a story about wise men from distant regions of the world who were alive to God’s intervention in time. They came to see the Savior, and were guided by the light of faith, propelled forward by hope, and rewarded by His love. When they found Him, they had an Epiphany.

They bowed down in homage.

May you have an Epiphany as you experience His presence in the simple things of life, in your daily personal encounters with those around you.