Today, January 6, is Epiphany, an important day on the Christian calendar. It is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate principally (but not solely) the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, and thus Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles.
According to Britannica, the evening preceding Epiphany is called Twelfth Night. The time between December 25 and January 6 is known as the Twelve Days of Christmas. Epiphany is celebrated with special pastries in many countries, and children often receive small gifts in their shoes in honour of the Magi’s gifts to the infant Jesus. The holiday also has a number of traditions involving water as a reflection of Jesus’ baptism, including the blessing of houses with holy water.
Of course, another definition for the word epiphany is “a moment of sudden revelation or insight.” And I suppose it’s a good way to describe the moment when God reveals my word of the year.
I began this practice nineteen years ago. Each fall, I ask God to give me a word for the new year. He always answers that prayer, and the word always ends up being meaningful for that year. Perhaps for something I will go through. Perhaps because I need deeper understanding of a spiritual truth.
For 2023, the word I was given is DWELL.
At first I thought my word was “abide,” but something inside told me I didn’t fully understand yet. Then, a couple of days before Christmas, I knew in my spirit that the correct word was “dwell.” Yes, it is a word that is similar to abide. A synonym even. And yet, I felt it was important when God made sure I knew which word was right.
The accompanying verses I was given are these:
- “One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.”
(Psalm 91:1, NASB 2020) - “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
(1 Corinthians 3:16, NASB 2020) - “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…”
(Ephesians 3:17, NASB 2020)
It appears that “Robin dwelling in Christ and Christ dwelling in Robin” will be the theme for 2023. I’m looking forward to it.
Do you ask God to give you a word for the new year? If so, please share what your word is for 2023.
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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Thank you for this inspiring message. This is a great idea!
It’s been a real blessing in my spiritual walk. I highly recommend it.
Yes, I always ask for a word, too. Last year it was intentional. For 2023, the word is new, newness, renew…..
So glad that the Creator of the Universe speaks to me. He is truly the One who makes all things NEW!!
I just watched a sermon earlier in the weak where the pastor pointed out that God doesn’t say He will make all new things, but that He will make all things new. The Bible is a story of the Restoration of All Things. Amen.
Merry Christmas (according to the Julian Calendar) to blog readers celebrating today!
And to you!