About Epiphany

  • Jan 11, 2012

Next to Easter, Epiphany is the one of oldest seasons of the church year.  

In Central America and Spain, Epiphany is Three Kings Day or the Adoration of the Magi.  The tradition in those countries is to actually observe Christmas Day as a solemn occasion while saving the party and presents for Epiphany. 

In Spain, children leave their shoes outside the windowsill on 12th night in hopes that the Magi would leave them a gift.  In Mexico, traditionally children receive Christmas presents from the Magi, not Santa.  In Germany, children carol on 12th Night (the Eve of Epiphany) and chalk the doorframes to their homes with the letters C – M – B, standing for either the names of the three Kings or Christe, Mansionem Benedica (Christ, bless this house).  


Interesting isn’t it? It seems that here in the US, if the celebration of Christmas lasts through the New Year, we pat ourselves on the back.    


Epiphany is the occasion where God in Christ is made known the world.  Through Epiphany we remember that Christ was born for both Jew and Gentile, those near and those far, Europeans and Americans.  As the star led the magi, so the light of God leads us and shines forth to all.  

At the beginning of Epiphany we remember the Baptism of our Lord (another manifestation of Christ as Son of God to the world) and the first miracle at Cana (again another manifestation of God incarnate in Jesus the Christ).  

Liturgically, the Feast of the Epiphany is represented through the colors of white and gold,   celebratory colors that are used on the "high" feast days in the church year.  After the Day of Epiphany (January 6), the Advent and Christmas markers are removed from the sanctuary and the white colors are changed to green.   This helps us remember that this is a season for us to "grow" into.  

It's good to remember that in many parts of the world, Epiphany is also known as the Carnival Season.   The last day of the "carnival season" is the well-known "Mardi Gras" or Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day - i.e. use up the fats, eggs and carnival foods before Lent begins on Wednesday).   So Epiphany is a season of celebration, a season of Christ, the light being made known and manifested in the world. 

And so we as a church, conclude our season of listening for God during Advent and incarnating God during Christmas here in the Epiphany season. The word of God that we have heard and the word of God that has taken shape in our lives, is now ready to be sent forth into the world.
So here reaching out takes form; evangelism and stewardship are translated into the details of life.   

Here at St. B's, we invite you through the words of the prophet Isaiah, to “ARISE, SHINE for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”  


Welcome to the Season of Lights!