The word φῶς (phōs) appears more than 70 times in the Greek New Testament. When translated literally, it comes into English as light. As with most words, φῶς has more to it than a single-word definition. It carries more meaning than “this is that.” In scripture, the light can be the illumination that comes from the sun or from a candle. It can also serve as a metaphor for awareness—a spark of revelation.

In the season of Epiphany we celebrate the arrival of the Magi who saw a star on the night of Jesus’ birth and followed its light to him. In that light, Jesus is revealed to all of us outside of his immediate community. God is made flesh for all of us who will receive this revelation, no matter who or where we are.

In this season of Epiphany, we are invited to be φῶς. Illuminating love and grace and hope. Bringing awareness to injustice and oppression. Revealing God’s enduring presence. The light is in us and all around us. The light is a gift we are given to carry into the world.

Last week, we began our series on light with DeMarco Davidson, and for the next 5 weeks we will continue to embrace light as we wrestle with how to be light for our times in the most expansive ways we can find it in scripture and in life.

In Light,
Rev. Tijuana Gray