Few conversions to Christianity are as dramatic as that of the fanatical Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul the Apostle. Filled with hatred for Christians, Saul procured permission from the high priest to hunt down and arrest any followers of Christ he found in Damascus. Along the way, however, he had a supernatural encounter with the risen Christ.   

…suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…"

Saul was blinded by this blast from heaven and remained without sight for three days until the Lord healed him through Ananias' intercession. However, Saul probably "saw" more during those three days of blindness than he had his whole life. He saw that he was a sinner, that he needed forgiveness, and that Jesus Christ is Lord. The Light of the World graciously stopped Saul and changed his direction. The Light that blinded gave him true insight.

Like Saul, we need a revelation of Jesus' true identity. Our longing is for the Light of the World to illuminate our hearts. Whether his light brings welcoming warmth or blinding revelation, we must then be ready to respond in humility and faith. God has chosen to show himself to the world in the person of Jesus Christ. That's what Epiphany is all about.