Epiphany means a manifestation. In the Christian year, Epiphany is the celebration of that revelation of Jesus as Messiah in the eyes of the nations. The moments of Jesus’ life most clearly connected with Epiphany are:
the arrival of the Magi to the child Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12)
the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11)
Epiphany begins on the twelfth day of Christmas (you always wondered what that song was about) and continues until the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
I love poetry and here is one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, T. S. Eliot, reading his poem “The Journety of the Magi,” to help us enter into the celebration of Epiphany.
Edward Burne-Jones, The Adoration of the Magi; silk, wool and cotton fabric; 1904.
Today, January 6, we celebrate Epiphany, which is also known as Three Kings Day. Epiphany begins a season of the church year that runs up to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. (Some traditions celebrate Epiphany-tide through Candlemas, the feast of the the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, on February 2, marking 40 days from Christmas day.)
Epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphaneia (ἐπιφάνεια), which literally means ‘appearing’ or ‘manifestation.’ The word appears in Paul’s second letter to Timothy in a passage which sheds light on the heart of Epiphany:
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,but it has now been revealed through the appearing(epiphaneia) of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:9-10)
Epiphany celebrates the appearing of Jesus as the Savior of the world, and particularly his revelation to the Gentiles, or nations. This is why Epiphany is often associated with the arrival of the Magi to acclaim Jesus as king and offer their gifts to him in Matthew 2:1-12. Two other episodes of Jesus’ life often associated with Epiphany are Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13-17) and the first miracle of turning water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-12), both of which are manifestations of Jesus’ identity and power, marking the beginning of His public ministry.
Epiphany offers an important opportunity to thank God for the light we have received through Jesus Christ and the significance of His saving work, not just for one people group, but people from around the globe. We can also reflect on how our ordinary lives are impacted by the light found in Jesus Christ, both His teaching and His life.
These words from Isaiah 60:1-3, are often read on Epiphany, and serve as a wonderful basis for worship today:
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Join us for worship with Eastbrook Church through Eastbrook at Home at 8, 9:30, and 11 AM. This weekend we conclude our series “Family Tree,” which explores the genealogy and early years of Jesus in Matthew, chapters 1-2. This week we will look at the visit of the Magi from Matthew 2:1-12.
Join in with the Eastbrook 365 daily devotional for this series here.
We also continue in-person services at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM this weekend at the Eastbrook Campus, but you do need to RSVP ahead of time. Find out more info here.
Each Sunday at 8, 9:30, and 11 AM, you can participate with our weekly worship service at home with your small group, family, or friends. This service will then be available during the week until the next Sunday’s service starts. You can also access the service directly via Vimeo, the Eastbrook app, or Facebook.
If you are not signed up for our church emailing list, please sign up here. Also, please remember that during this time financial support for the church is critical as we continue minister within our congregation and reach out to our neighborhood, city, and the world at this challenging time. Please give online or send in your tithes and offerings to support the ministry of Eastbrook Church.
Epiphany means a manifestation. In the Christian year, Epiphany is the celebration of that revelation of Jesus as Messiah in the eyes of the nations. The moments of Jesus’ life most clearly connected with Epiphany are:
Renovate 