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Contrary to what some Oprah lovers may think, she did not coin the term or concept of an “aha†moment. In 212 BC, after discovering the displacement theory, Archimedes shouted “eureka! I have found it!†Whether he ran down the streets of Syracuse naked is for others to determine. ;o)
Two hundred years later three magi made their equally legendary trip to Bethlehem. They probably did not arrive on January 6, and one gospel account depicts them arriving two years later. Camel travel obviously left something to be desired. However, regardless of the time of arrival, “Epiphany†can be symbolic for all people whether they regard themselves “religious†or not.
Epiphany:
a. A sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something.
b. A comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization: “I experienced an epiphany, a spiritual flash that would change the way I viewed myself” (Frank Maier)
 Epiphanies can be experienced by anyone anywhere and, interestingly, are often experienced by children, regardless of ethnic or religious background. Because they are of a spiritual nature they can not be predicted, however, Louis Pasteur opined, “chance favors the prepared mind,†and people who are open to spiritual growth and awareness just might be more likely to experience them.
Happy epiphany hunting!