Epiphany- January 6- Matthew 2

Epiphany has long been one of my favorite Christian festivals. The name Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “showing forth,” “manifestation,” or “appearance.” After Good Friday-Easter and Pentecost, Epiphany on January 6 is the oldest Christian holy day. At first in the Greek Church, Epiphany combined the observance of several manifestations of Christ, including His Birth.

 Eventually, different epiphanies of our Lord were observed on different days. In the Western tradition to which Lutheran calendars and liturgies belong, January 6 focused on the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or non-Jewish people represented by the Wise Men (St. Matthew 2:1-12). The First Sunday after Epiphany has often been associated with Christ’s Baptism, and the Second Sunday after Epiphany with His first miracle at the wedding in Cana. Depending on the dates of Lent and Easter, the Epiphany season may have between 4 and 9 Sundays.

Unfortunately, many American congregations seem to neglect Epiphany. Since it only falls on Sunday occasionally, Epiphany tends to be observed on the second Sunday of Christmas or skipped over in favor of observing Christ's Baptism. However, Epiphany is important on its own. It reminds us of Christ's mission to all peoples, of His guiding light, and of growth in faith. And since the secular holiday is over, paying greater attention to Epiphany could be one way for Christians to counteract some of the worldly Yuletide. It is a great time for serious reflection on the Incarnation and the manifestation of the Christ Child for our salvation.