The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Collect

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm

72:1-7, 10-14

The Readings

Isaiah 60:1-6     +     Ephesians 3:1-12     +     Matthew 2:1-12

In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 

~Ephesians 3:5-6

Immediately following the twelve-day season of Christmas, on January 6th the church celebrates the feast of the Epiphany, also called the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. The Prayer Book commends it as one of the seven principal feasts of the church year, and it is one of the most ancient—probably only Easter predates it in observance. Because Epiphany is a fixed date feast (like Christmas), it usually falls during the week and risks passing unobserved. But this year January 6th is a Sunday, so we will celebrate the day with all the joy and solemnity worthy the occasion.

Epiphany means “appearing” or “manifestation.” What appears, what is brought to light for all the world, is none other than God in the flesh—Jesus Christ our Lord. The Gospel on Epiphany relates the adoration of the “wise men.” These magi were not Jews. They were probably Persian priests and astrologers, and yet they bow in worship and acknowledge as king a Jewish infant, enthroned on the lap of his peasant girl mother. The other manifestations associated with Epiphany are Christ’s baptism (observed the following Sunday), and the beginning of his miraculous signs at the wedding in Cana.

On this Epiphany and in the weeks following, as the earth turns and the light grows, pray for grace to see, hear, and believe. Like the magi, for devotion to seek out the Christ, and humble wisdom to find him in unexpected places. Like John at the Jordan, for ears to hear the voice of God that confirms the Beloved. Like the servants and the disciples at the wedding, to know and believe in the One who brings abundance of joy.

Closing Prayer
Songs of thankfulness and praise, Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,
Manifested by the star to the sages from afar;
Branch of royal David’s stem, in thy birth at Bethlehem;
Anthems be to thee addressed, God in man made manifest. Amen.
~Hymn 135