The Christian Calendar

The Season of Epiphany

The Twelve Days of Christmas conclude on January 5th, or the Eve of Epiphany. Epiphany is the day on which the church commemorates the Visit of the Magi to worship and present gifts to the child, Jesus, who is recognized by these Gentile wise men as a King.

Epiphany means "manifestation" – it is the manifestation to the Gentiles, or to the nations and peoples of the earth, of the God who is at work through the people of Israel. Also, during this time, the church reflects on the disclosure of God in the life of Jesus.

Christmas is about "incarnation" –God becoming human in order to redeem and rescue his fallen, broken world. Epiphany is the season in which we ponder, reflect, and meditate on the Word made flesh – God's flesh and blood communication to us.

During this season, we also focus on the Baptism of our Lord, as the time when the Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove. The Voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved son, in him I am well pleased."

The Sundays after the Epiphany will take the Church through Ash Wednesday, when we begin to follow Christ on the road to Jerusalem and the cross.

Epiphany means "manifestation" – it is the manifestation of God to the Gentiles