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.

Epiphany - 6 January- Matthew 2

The Feast of Epiphany on 6 January is one of the oldest Christian observances, and yet in our time even among practicing Christians, it is often a neglected commemoration. 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, the emphasis has been on the manifestation at Christ's Baptism. The Western Churches (including the Anglican tradition) have focused on the manifestation of the Christ Child to the Gentile Magi or Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-11).

As Christmastide comes to a conclusion, let us continue to focus on the manifestation of the Incarnate Word in the Christ Child. The Magi remind us that the light of God has shone in Jesus Christ for all peoples. Like the Wise Men, most of us are Gentiles drawn to His holy light. So let us take time to rejoice in that light, and let us also seek to let His light shine forth in our lives!

Epiphany 2023- Matthew 2, Ephesians 3

The sixth day of January is the Epiphany, one of the oldest observances on the Christian calendar. Although this commemoration has been associated with several manifestations or epiphanies of Christ, among western Christians including Anglicans, the emphasis has usually been on the manifestation of the Christ Child to the Magi or Wise Men, sometimes also called kings. 

This event is based on the Gospel from Matthew 2:1-12.  The key verses are Matthew 2:1-2, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."  

Since the Wise Men are Gentiles or non-Jews, Epiphany has often been associated with the theme of the universal appeal of the gospel to all peoples. The theme of the universality of the gospel is emphasized in the epistle reading from Ephesians 3:1-12. In these verses, the Apostle Paul emphasizes his calling to be a minister of the gospel among the Gentiles. In the first nine verses, Paul uses the word Gentiles or "nations" three times, along with the phrase "all men" (3:1,6,8,9). The goal of the apostolic ministry and mission is "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" (Ephesians 3:6). The light of Christ, the truth of the gospel, is for all peoples. The Christian message extends the hope of fellowship with God to the ends of the earth. Like St. Paul, may we continue to witness that the gospel message of salvation is intended for all people!

Epiphany- 6 January- Isaiah 49:6

The feast and season of Epiphany begin with the first Evening Prayer near sundown on January 5 ("Twelfth Night"). The name Epiphany is derived from a Greek word meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.” Apart from Good Friday-Easter and Pentecost. Epiphany is the oldest yearly Christian observance. It is certainly older than Christmas Day, and it was the first day widely used to celebrate Christ’s Birth. In Eastern churches of the 3rd and 4th centuries, Epiphany seems to have been associated with all the events surrounding Christ’s beginnings. These events included Jesus’s Birth, the coming of the Wise Men, the presentation of the Infant in the Temple, the Finding of the youth Jesus in the Temple, and Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan. As the church calendar developed, these events were commemorated on separate occasions. In the Latin-speaking Church, January 6 became associated with the Gentile Wise Men (Matthew 2) and Christ’s mission to the nations.

The theme of Epiphany can be summarized by the divine prophecy in Isaiah 49:6b, " I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth." Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is the light of God's truth and love shining into a sin darkened world. This light shines on the faithful of Israel and spreads to all nations. May His light illuminate our hearts, minds and souls and shine before those around us!

Epiphany- A Time for Reflection on the Light

Of course, Epiphany is one of the oldest observances of the Christian calendar. It is certainly older than Christmas which receives so much attention in both religious and secular circles. Now Christmastide has ended. Only a few of us still have any Christmas decorations out, and most of those will be put away today or this weekend. Yet, as in the early centuries of the Church, this is still a good time to reflect upon the varied manifestations of the light of Christ: His Nativity, the manifestation of the Saviour to the Gentile Magi, His trip to Jerusalem at age 12, and the beginning of Christ's public ministry at His Baptism. In all these events, the glory and light of the eternal Word made flesh shines in sin-darkened world. May His light shine in our lives in this new season!