Epiphany- 6 January- Matthew 2

This day, 6 January, marks the traditional Feast of Epiphany. This celebration is the third oldest Christian observance after the three days from Good Frida to Easter and Pentecost.  The word Epiphany means "manifestation," and the feast and its season remind us of the various ways that God manifested Himself in Jesus Christ. In the Eastern Churches, where the feast originated in the third century, the emphasis has centered on the manifestation at the time of Christ's Baptism. Since the fourth century in the Western Churches, including the Anglican tradition, the emphasis has been on the manifestation of the Christ Child to the Magi or Wise Men.  

The Magi were Gentiles (non-Jews), and so this day and the following season are associated with the Christian mission to all the nations. God called the eastern Wise Men to come and adore the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Likewise, God calls each of us, regardless of our nation, ethnic group, language, etc., to come, worship, and follow Christ the newborn King. As Christmastide closes, let us continue to focus on the manifestation of the Incarnate Word in Jesus Christ. The light of God has shone in the Christ Child. We still seek His light, and we hope that His light will shine in our lives on those around us.

Christmas II

 The Second Sunday after Christmas does not occur every year, and some years such as this year, Christmas II is the Eve of Epiphany. So this Sunday has not developed a clear liturgical identity. Medieval service books and the 1549 Book of Common Prayer did not have any propers for the day. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer simply directed the continued use of the propers from the Circumcision of Christ. The 1928 American BCP, like some others of that decade, provided a collect and lessons. This lovely collect is from a medieval Christmas liturgy, and the lessons are from older services for the Eve of Epiphany. The Gospel from Matthew 2 looks to the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth. In any case, on this day, we continue to celebrate the Birth of our Lord and look forward to His manifestation to the Gentiles.

The Collect for Christmas II:

ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

January 1- Octave of the Nativity- Luke 2:21

 Over the centuries, Christians have been uncomfortable with the celebrations of the new year on the first of January.  In order to avoid pagan associations, January 1 was not observed as New Year's Day in many parts of Europe between the fall of Rome and early modern times. On church calendars, this date has been associated with several liturgical observances over time. When Christ's Birth started being commemorated on 25 December, this eighth day of Christmas marked the end of Christmas week. There seems to have been an ancient Roman custom of emphasizing the role of Mary on this day, and in other parts of the Church, the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus were commemorated on this day. Since the 1970s, most Christians have either focused on the Holy Name of Jesus or on Mary as the bearer of God incarnate. All these associations are related to Luke 2:21 where we read. "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."

Whatever Christian tradition we emphasize, the primary importance of the first of January is not some neo-pagan indulgence; it is a day to continue thinking about the Incarnation of the eternal divine Word as Mary's Son Jesus. This child born in Bethlehem is the Lord Himself, come to save His people. God's plan for human salvation is what gives this day and every its true significance. So let us begin the New Year by praising God and giving thanks for the salvation that has come in the Christ Child!