Epiphany- A Neglected Celebration

Saturday, January 6 was the ancient and meaningful Christian feast of Christ's Epiphany - His appearing or manifestation to the world. In the early Greek Church, the day was about all of Christ's manifestations, from His birth onwards. Over time, especially in the Western churches, Epiphany itself became associated with the coming of the Wise Men, and the Sundays afterward focused on other events in His early life and ministry.

In modern times, Epiphany is often forgotten. In the secular world and among secularized Christians, people are tired of celebrating after Christmas and New Year's Day. And this year, the fact that Epiphany fell on Saturday made the neglect even more noticeable. I searched online for celebrations of Epiphany in my metropolitan area. I didn't come across much, even among liturgical churches.

Personally, I have long thought that it would be an important Christian witness if we could emphasize Epiphany more. Epiphany is an ancient Christian observance of great theological importance. It is older than Christmas, and with all the nonsense associated with modern Christmas, Epiphany is more specifically Christian. Of course, we cannot ignore Christmas, but churches might do well to scale back some of the yuletide hoopla and put a little more emphasis on Epiphany. So let us look for ways to emphasize the value of Epiphany and make it the finale of our Christmas observances.

January 1- The Holy Name of Jesus

The biblical, liturgical and theological significance of this day tends to be overlooked. Of course, the secular world and non-liturgical Christians only think of the new secular calendar year. Even among Lutherans and others who observe the church calendar, few think of it as the Feast of the Holy Name (or the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ). Yet, St. Luke 2:21 gives us the clear biblical reference: "And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb" (ESV).

This naming fulfilled the instructions of the angel to Mary and Joseph before Christ's Birth (St. Luke 1:31; St. Matthew 1:21). He was given the name Yeshua, the Aramaic version of the name "Joshua"- which means "the LORD will save." That name progressed through Greek and Latin into the modern form "Jesus." Although circumcision, naming, and the name itself were common in Jewish circles, these events had a special application in the case of this child. They prophesied His work of redemption. And by fulfilling the Law, they pointed to the saving truth of the Gospel.

The continuing days of Christmastide should be a time of reflection on the whole Gospel, not just the birth narratives. In particular, let us pause to think of our Lord's name. The origin of the name Jesus is no accident; it has great doctrinal significance. Jesus is the One who has come to save us. Through His Nativity, Life, Ministry, Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension, He has accomplished God's saving work and deserves our praise and thanksgiving.