Text for the Month
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,…”
John 8:12
January greets us with a fresh calendar, crisp air, and - at least in the church calendar - the bright festival of Epiphany. While Christmas often receives the spotlight, Epiphany holds a special kind of wonder. It invites us to step into a story of surprise, discovery, and revelation - a story that began with a star and continues with us.
At its heart, Epiphany is about God making Himself known. The Christ-child, born quietly in Bethlehem, is suddenly revealed as the Light of the World. Not first to kings of Israel or religious experts, but to wandering scholars from far beyond the borders of Judea. These Magi, outsiders in every possible way, are drawn into God’s unfolding plan simply because they were willing to follow a light they didn’t fully understand. There is something beautifully hopeful in that. Epiphany reminds us that God’s love refuses to stay hidden. It breaks boundaries, crosses cultures, and shines where it is least expected.
The story also gives us a gentle challenge for the year ahead: Where are we noticing God’s light - and are we willing to follow it? The star the Magi saw wasn’t loud. It didn’t shout or demand attention. It simply glowed - steady and faithful. Sometimes God’s guidance in our lives looks like that, too: a small stirring, a spark of curiosity, a quiet nudge toward compassion, generosity, or courage.
Following the star was not convenient for the Magi. It pulled them out of routines, demanded a long journey, and asked them to step into the unknown. And yet, they chose to set out - because the hope of encountering something true and good was worth it.
As we begin a new year, maybe that is the invitation of Epiphany for us: to stay open to the unexpected ways God reveals himself; to trust that His light shines even in uncertain times; and to remember that our journeys - long, winding, and sometimes confusing - can still lead to moments of deep joy and clarity. Epiphany also reminds us of our role as light-bearers. The same God who revealed Himself through a star now shines through people - through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, decisions rooted in faith and love. In a world that sometimes feels dim, even the smallest light can make all the difference.
So as January unfolds, may we look for God’s gentle glimmers. May we dare to follow His leading even when the path is new. And may we reflect Christ’s light in our families, workplaces, communities, and yes - even in our German YMCA.
A blessed, bright, and hope-filled Epiphany to you all!
Sabrina Gröschel, Chaplain of the German YMCA in London