Today is Epiphany Sunday... The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.

Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of December 25th until the morning of January 6th, which is the Twelfth Day.

The colors of Epiphany are usually the colors of Christmas, white and gold, the colors of celebration, newness, and hope that mark the most sacred days of the church year. The traditional liturgical symbols of Epiphany are usually associated with the Magi. The symbols include either three crowns or a single crown, various portrayals of the Magi or Wise Men, three gifts, a five pointed star, or a combination of a star and crown.

Psalm 78:2; Matthew 13:34, 35; John 14:1-6

The cure for pride is living a life of humility!

The cure for entitlement is to live and lead with a servant’s heart.

The cure for our self-righteousness is to extend compassion without limits to everyone we meet.

Joy and revival will only come to the church when we repent of our sin of being lost, and in humility, with a servant’s heart and the compassion of Jesus, look for those who are also lost and help them find their way home!

“Jesus tells three stories that suggest urgency and expectancy on God’s part when it comes to even “one lost soul” turning toward God. How do these stories affect the way you think about God? How does the story of the lost son affect how you think about the people around you?

1. What can you learn about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in these verses?

2. What do you learn about yourself or others in these verses?

3. How will you apply what you’ve learned today? Be specific.