Epiphany – To reveal

Our Windowsill Nativity

2025 – What have you seen so far?

Isn’t it delicious to have some time out of routine? I’ve been fortunate enough to have a couple of days this week with two of our daughters – post New Year activity, pre return to school and work. A fabulous gift of two glorious days, though the temperature plummeted, the sun shone fabulously.

On Thursday I cycled with one along the seafront from Poole to Bournemouth to meet a friend at the Russell Coates gallery (a former home full of treasures that was gifted to the townspeople when the couple who built it died). They had an exhibition of various artists who have taken inspiration from the Isle of Purbeck (where I live). It was fabulous, an interesting collection that included many female artists from the last century. I particularly enjoyed seeing familiar places through the eyes of another.

After we left, we succumbed to the lure of chips and vinegar. Munching happily whilst on the sea front we enjoyed watching families at play, surfers waiting for waves, courageous souls braving the zip wire on the pier and a plethora of dogs and their owners. The visibility was amazing, and we could clearly see the chalky white of the Needles, cliffs on the westerly end of the Isle of Wight.

Our friend told us that when the light is right, a polar bear emerges on the cliffs. Was she pulling our leg or telling a tall tale? Did it matter? The chips were delicious - we munched on. “Look” she cried “it’s arrived”. We looked again at the cliffs. The Needles had now disappeared into shadow but what was she seeing? We were lost. Gradually, as we relaxed our gaze, we saw it. An enormous Polar Bear stepping out of the cliffs! Incredible. What a sight.  

Then Friday, did you see it? It was breathtakingly radiant.

Stepping out of the cinema after an afternoon of crazy entertainment (Moana 2), from the cosy warmth into the chilly evening we walked home. We were merrily chatting about the film as we walked past homes still decorated with Christmas lights. As we neared the end of the street the sky opened before us. “Look at the moon” someone said, and we all stopped in awe. A thin crescent moon hanging delicately in clear sky with Venus shining bright right above. What a treat.

Today’s Epiphany, the day we celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men. Those learned scholars who studied the night skies and the stories of different people. They were intrigued by the New Star they had identified and wondered if it was indeed announcing the arrival of a New King. Leaving all that was familiar they set out on a journey of adventure and discovery.

As we move into this New Year I wonder where you’re looking. What are you listening to? Have you set intentions, made resolutions or perhaps created a vision board?

So far, I’ve done none of the above. Instead, I’ve pondered what posture I want to hold as the year unfolds. I want it to be open and steady, open handed. Not stretched forward ready to hold or receive. Not occupied preparing something to give. Of course, both giving and receiving will happen in the year. But I don’t want my focus to be looking for those. Instead, I want to nurture and cherish the between stance. Just like I had at those two points this week. A stance where I’m relaxed enough to respond to the noticings of others, and unhurried and unharried enough to stay and relish them together.  

As the Kings arrive in our open windowsill stable bearing their gifts. Their presence reminds me to ponder what open handed communion followed that new family. What awe and wonder unfolded from that encounter.

An encounter powerful enough for them to leave open handed and travel an unfamiliar route home. Travelling with others doing the same brought them courage, hope and joy for the unknowable journey ahead.

2025 – As I aspire to stand open and stable, willing to listen and look up, I hope I will encounter awe and community in whatever unfolds in the year ahead.