Once

Yesterday I watched the movie 'Once'. It was recommended on a blog I read and I knew it was in our libraryt of DVDs, one of those I had bought but never watched for whatever reason. The movie is set in Ireland and is about an aging street musician who wants to get get discovered. The movie was so-so as far as I was concerned and I considered fast forwarding a few times.

After the movie was over I watched one of the special features where the directors comment on the film as it plays. And what interested me was the source of the title-'Once'. The title is a reference to how people everywhere and this musician in particular often say they will do something important or meaningful or even lifechanging ONCE this or that happens or ONCE I do this other thing. Interesting thought that maybe each of us can relate to in some way.

As I thought about this I realized that sometimes ONCEs aren't our decision. Like I have some thoughts about things I'd like to do ONCE I get past my latest cancer adventure, God-willing. Maybe you've had some ONCE experiences as well that really weren't your choice- loss of loved ones, sickness, divorce, family concerns. The question becomes what happens ONCE you get through these life events.

Which brings me to today, maybe the biggest ONCE of all- Epiphany. Most folks might not even know that today, January 6th is Epiphany. And fewer still realize the importance of this great celebration. In the early church it was second in importance only to Easter! Can you believe that? More important than Christmas? Yet I can understand that, that the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles is such a gift, that His miracle at Cana shows HE IS GOD, a God who loves each of us.

And what happens ONCE you realize the importance of Epiphany? As we heard from Isaiah, we are to Arise and Shine for our light has come! In other words get up and get active in your faith! So many missed the Ephiphany events as they happened at the stable and the wedding. So many miss them even today. Yet those who celebrate these events have a light in their life that is a big ONCE. A ONCE that changes them and causes them to rise and shine!

Epiphany celebrates that God came to earth for each of us, a bright light in a dark world. God is here for us if we will only not toss aside all His rich gifts of grace and faith and hope. And I don't want to be theological here, throwing out these gifts as some abstract thoughts- they are for me real and important and life-changing. And ONCE we take them as something more than abstract concepts they drive us to new attitudes and actions. These are the 'ONCE' changes the movie reminded me of.

In the end the musician took action to get discovered- he recorded some demos and went to London but the outcome is left for the viewer to wonder about. Our resulting Epiphany 'ONCE' attitudes and actions wait to be determined as well. What will you do ONCE you realize the importance of Epiphany?

Blest Regards,
kp