Sermon

Epiphany

January 4, 2015 - January 7, 2024

EPIPHANY The English word is derived from the Greek epiphainein, which means “to appear” or “manifest.” The Epiphany season has to do with the Lord’s manifestation or appearance to the nations. Epiphany (January 6) and the season called by the same name (from January 6 through March 7) celebrates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, beginning with the visit of the Eastern Kings (the Magi) in Matthew 2. Of course, the manifestation of the Person and mission of Jesus was only gradually unveiled, so the season focuses on the progressive unveiling of our Lord’s mission to the world in his teaching. The four main events commemorated during Epiphany are the adoration of the Magi, the story of Christ’s visit to the temple as a twelve-year-old boy, our Lord’s baptism in the Jordan, and the miracle of turning water into wine for the marriage feast at Cana in Galilee. All four events served progressively to unveil the Lord Jesus Christ to the humanity in significant ways at the beginning of his life and the inauguration of his Gospel ministry.