" After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory-this was during Herod's kingship-a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, 'Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We're on pilgrimage to worship him.' …Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves. They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!" (Matthew 2: 1-10, Eugene Peterson's The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language)

I often wonder about discoveries. I wonder how much of that seeking or feeling of "aha" is left over from my years of Nancy Drew adoration. I wonder how much is the product of education and environment. And, I wonder how much is inherited. I am certain that there has to be a curiosity/insight gene even if it is not named as such.

Papa is an avid "rock hound" as he calls it. Those are his fun words for a hobby that is interesting as well as informative. So as a child, I remember imitating this by going on great searches for "field diamonds" (quartz crystals) in any exposed areas of land. This took place whether in our backyard or on a hike. I was forever on the great search. Even while walking or hiking, I kept a keen eye to the ground. There was nothing like the experience of finding that crystal. It was an "aha" moment, a moment of discovery, that carried me forward all week long.

This is the season of Epiphany in the Christian church. Epiphany refers to "manifestation," or "appearance/show." (Webster's Dictionary). We hear again about the story of the eastern star. This is the star that was a guide for the wise men, the three kings, or the "scholars" as Eugene Peterson translates. I love the way that Peterson tells how the scholars felt about that experience. "They could hardly contain themselves. They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!" That's the way that I felt about finding those field diamonds. That's the way that I feel when someone shares a particular faith experience with me.

This issue of EcuMiniNet™ Online! deals with different experiences of discovery, of "aha" and yes, epiphanies. Our special interview is with Mary Hawes, the Diocesan Children's Advisor of the Anglican Church in London, England. We have a thought- provoking article and prayer by Dr. David Dyson, a wonderful "on-target" piece by Wade Bond, an interesting article contrasting darkness and light by Rebecca Woods, a touching spiritually inspiring story from Betty Wiggins, insightful prose ("Love is…") by Wade Bond, and incredible photography from Delia Halverson, Ira Mitchell and Kevin Hagan. EcuMiniNet™ Online! is also proud to announce the opening of it's new Gold'Net Gallery of art and photography in the Wisdom and Wondering section of the ezine. All of these lead us into thoughts that ignite our own moments of spiritual and emotional epiphanies. These are our special insights, our discoveries that we wish to share with you. "We're on pilgrimage to worship him." May God's guidance be with you as you ponder your own epiphanies,

Janine C. Hagan, Editor-in-Chief

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