“The Best of Rooms”
2025 marks 5 years since we began our Central Women online prayer ministry, “First Monday”. Back in 2019 I had a different vision for what it would look like but, a lot happened during that first year including a world-wide pandemic and we had to “punt”. For many of us our ministry and the way we conducted it had to change. We were forced to do things a little differently. However, the mission never changed and it hasn’t changed today. We are still dedicated to seeing people come to know Jesus and grow closer to Him.
We have just “celebrated” Epiphany. What is Epiphany? It’s also called the feast day of Epiphany and in some cultures “Three Kings Day”. Not having much knowledge on the subject I decided to do some research.
By definition, Epiphany is the manifestation of the divinity of Jesus with the visit of the Magi or the three kings that followed the star. Some celebrate Epiphany as the culmination or fulfillment of Advent or the day that Mary realized the significance of who Jesus really was (yes, Mary did know!).
But it is much more than just about Christmas. Epiphany celebrates three miracles that validate that Jesus is the Son of God: the star in the East, Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, and Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. The number three is also significant here: three miracles, three magi, three gifts, pointing us to the Trinity.
First, the star. We read in Matthew 2 that this star, this inexplicable beacon led the three kings to worship Jesus. There are many reasons why this is a miracle but what is important is that the Magi were not Jewish yet they came to worship. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh – all significant gifts – and they left with salvation. This reminds us that Jesus came for all – Jew and Gentile. Fast forward to Acts 1:8, Jesus sends out his apostles to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth”. Jesus came to save all people and that was marked on the day the magi came to worship the King of Kings.
Next, the baptism of Jesus by his cousin John. We read about this all four gospels, the first of which is in Matthew 3:13-17 and is it the most important miracle. The miracle here is God breaking open the heavens, His Spirit coming down in the form of a dove, and God Himself speaking aloud for all to hear, identifying Jesus as His son. This was God’s public “stamp of approval” on Jesus.
What is compelling to me about this miracle is that God blesses Jesus and His ministry and afterwards sends Him straight into the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days (a miracle in and of itself). Even Jesus had to go through a sort of refining process before He began revealing Himself as the Son of God. God’s assignments need to be completely aligned with Him and how I represent Him sometimes need refinement. Occasionally we encounter trials to test us, yes, but also to remind us to fully and completely rely on Him in faith to accomplish His purpose. Jesus gives us this example for us to follow.
Lastly, the wine. We read about this miracle in John 2:1-11. This was Jesus’ first public sign and marks the beginning of His public ministry, bringing Him one step closer to the cross. It is the first time He revealed His glory, but it wasn’t for all to see. The Bible says that when Jesus performed this miracle, His disciples believed Him (John 2:11). Without the belief and testimony of His followers, Jesus’ ministry would have looked very different. This miracle is the beginning sign pointing to the truth that Jesus is who He says He is: the Messiah, and you can trust in Him.
So we have the star, the baptism, and the wine. Three miracles all confirming Christ’s divinity. He is truly and properly man and truly and properly God.
I don’t really celebrate Epiphany but doing this research helped remind me of the significance of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection and re-solidifies my belief that He truly is the son of God.
One of the ways people honor Epiphany is to bless their home: going throughout their house saying prayers of blessing over each specific room, inviting Jesus to make His dwelling there.
I’ve done this, not in association with Epiphany, but whenever I’ve moved into a new house or helped someone else move in. This leads me to think immediately about my heart. Have I invited Jesus into every room in my heart? Have I given Him authority over each space to dwell – to abide there?
There is a song that was written years ago arranged by James Curnow for choir called “The Best of Rooms” which I’ve sung hundreds of times. The title was later changed to “Christ’s Part”. Both titles stir something in me. If my entire being is the temple (1 Corinthians 6:19) which Jesus bought and paid for with His own blood, how much of the dwelling am I willing to give Him? The best of all is the heart – the WHOLE heart.
“Christ’s Part”
Christ, He requires still
Where so ‘er He comes
Requires still.
Where so ever He comes to feed or lodge
to have the best of rooms.
Give Him the choice.
Grant Him the nobler part of all the house.
Give Him the choice;
Give Him the best.
The best of all is the heart.
Heather Hanton
Media and Ministries Specialist
The Salvation Army Central Territory
Women’s Ministries Department