We have now entered the season of the church year called Epiphany. The word “Epiphany” has roots in a Greek word meaning ”to shine forth.” While we celebrate the birth of Jesus as Israel’s Messiah in the Christmas season, Epiphany celebrates the revelation or shining forth of the Messiah as the light of the world, a light to all nations.
The language we use affects the understandings we hold. I have recently been thinking about a prime example, the language of “king” and “kingdom” especially as used in the phrases “kingdom of God” and “kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. A look at two key terms: (1) peacemakers, and (2) sons (children) of God.