Epiphany of Epiphanies
12 years ago, I started a blog called Journey to Epiphany. Although I was interested in Church history and the Christian calendar at the time, I was predominately thinking about the definition by Webster referring to a sudden revelation about the meaning of something. However, this Christmas season, while working on writing a family devotional entitled, From Advent to Epiphany, I began to study the early Christian holiday of Epiphany more closely. What I discovered was nothing short of a sudden revelation, and a deeper meaning into the Advent season.
Many cultures celebrate Epiphany as the completion of Advent. In fact, the height of the Advent season for most of these cultures is not Christmas, but Epiphany. While during Advent, we practice the art of stilling and preparing our hearts for the coming King. For many who celebrate Advent, Christmas begins a feast and celebration of 12 days culminating on January 6th for Epiphany.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the history behind this holiday is to celebrate that the Gospel is given for all people, including Gentiles since the Three Wise Men were Gentiles. Tulsa is full of hispanic tradition and heritage. Our lovely Gilcrease Museum has a lovely tradition of hosting a Dia de Reyes celebration including treats, crafts and a special procession honoring the Nativity, with special emphasis on the 3 Kings. Since this is the very thing I’ve been writing about, I decided to go and check it out.
Upon arriving, I was pleased to find that this event was so well attended that there was no more parking. I had to park almost a mile away at the old Transformation Church parking lot where the museum provided a shuttle bus. Because of the delay, I missed the first procession which is what I really wanted to attend in the first place. The next procession was scheduled for 3 hours later, so I headed over to the community room to sample some King Cake. It was delicious and I shared it with beautiful brown faces who were laughing and enjoying the day with their families and were working on crafting take-home crowns complete with “jewels.”
With plenty of time, I wandered over to the Mexican Modernism exhibit. I was overcome with curiosity about the history of our southern neighbors. Many of the works showed such oppression and fear, and a few celebrated life and joy. I left the exhibit hall with a renewed interest in understanding and loving the people I am around in a deeper way. It profoundly moved me, the way all great art should.
The view from my table at the Gilcrease Museum Restaurant
Looking at my program, I noticed that a Mexican Folk Dance recital would begin in about an hour, so I decided to grab a quick bite at the restaurant in the museum. I was not prepared for how lovely the Gilcrease Restaurant was. The view was stunning and the tables were elegantly set with linen clothes. As soon as I arrived I was brought delectable little herb biscuits that melted in my mouth. In honor of the day’s events, the special soup was Tortilla Soup. It was creamy, and mildly spicy with crunchy tortillas strips sprinkled on top. I wish I had gotten a bowl rather than a cup! I also had a Gilcrease Salad, which was basically a chef salad, except that the presentation was spectacular complete with ham and turkey lunchmeat rolled into exquisite roses.
What started out as a little frustration that I’d missed the first procession, was turning out to be a lovely diversion. I headed over to the auditorium to enjoy the folk dancing. The room was packed and I had to stand for most of the recital. So. much. joy! The happy sounds of trumpets and accordions, along with an occasional trill and yip from the dancers delighted the audience.
I still had about an hour until the procession, so I headed over to a small exhibit of Willard Stone wood carvings. Both his magnificent work, and a cushioned bench beckoned me to watch a movie about his life and his work. The sensual curves and glowing patina of his work was mesmerizing. I believe he is now one of my all-time favorite artists, an epiphany to be sure!
It was now time to line up along the main hall for the Kings Procession. Spectators of every age leaned over, necks craning trying to see from which direction the Holy Family would come. A page played his royal “trumpet” announcing their arrival at the top of a staircase. Now the focus was the opposite end of the hallway where Kasper, the Persian king was preceded by his entourage.
Now came the sounds of Africa, with drums and chorus, followed by beautiful animal print costumes and attendants to Balthazar the Arabian king. Lastly, came girls gorgeously adorned in Indian saris with fabrics dyed colors only imagined in India. There were announcing Melchior, king of India.
And the grand finale was the best of all when the room filled with “O Come All Ye Faithful” and the three kings and their people bowed to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. An epiphany indeed. An epiphany realizing that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, perhaps in their own customs and languages, but confessing all the same, that Jesus Christ is Lord. An epiphany of expression through art, and how Christ is revealed through the gifts He has graciously given. Even when expressing pain art seems to reach out knowing that there is a Higher calling, a better way to live. A light in the darkness. After all, what is an Advent without an Epiphany? After the waiting in the silence, the hushed heart longs to find something more, and when we seek Him, we will always find more of Him everywhere we go.
