The Significance of Epiphany
What is Epiphany and why is it important? Some hear the word and think that it is when someone makes a revelation about a certain subject. To the Christian, Epiphany is a Celebration that happens at the climax of the Christmas Season. It occurs on January 6th, which is the 12th day following December 25th: Christmas. Epiphany lasts from January 6th until Ash Wednesday, which then begins the season of Lent. The coming of the wise men are celebrated on the day of Epiphany while The Baptism of our Lord is observed the Sunday after. The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Epiphany reminds us of the coming of the wise men when they each brought gifts for the baby Jesus. In fact, some people with Roman Catholic influences will refer to this day as the “Three Kings Day.”
Symbol and Colors of Epiphany
The color of Epiphany is green. The traditional symbols of Epiphany are usually associated with the three wise men that came to see baby Jesus. Some symbols include three crowns or one, various depictions of the wise men, a combination of a star and crown, three gifts, and a five pointed star.
Celebrating Epiphany
Why do we celebrate Epiphany? Well, for one celebrating and learning about Epiphany helps us gain a new understanding of God’s redemptive work. It reminds us of the remarkable act of God extending Grace to us by sending his Son Jesus to die for us as a perfect sacrifice that we might be able to be in union with him again.
Epiphany also helps us see the reaction that the wise men had towards Jesus and reminds us that we should have the same reaction of worship. They recognized that Jesus was the King and because of that they worshiped him. We in turn must do the same. When God’s reveals to us something that we were not aware of before, we need to respond in adoration and worship.
Epiphany in the Church
In my church context, the word Epiphany is almost never mentioned. In fact I would venture to say that many of our congregants are unaware of what Epiphany is in the liturgical calendar. However, that is not a reason for not incorporating it into our celebrations as it is still part of the church calendar. There are numerous ways of bringing attention to the day and season of epiphany without giving someone a lecture or book about Epiphany.
One way to celebrate Epiphany in my church context is to adjust the decorations appropriately. One practical way to achieve this would be to replace some of the Christmas decorations with decorations of the three wise men once Christmas day has past. It would still fit the theme of Christmas for the average church goer, but it would be reminding our congregants about the wise men coming to see Jesus and recognize him as King and Savior of the world. If anyone asks about a painting that was put up or a decoration that was set in place, then you might be able to have a short but interesting conversation about the day and season of Epiphany and educate the member on the event of Epiphany.
Another way to celebrate Epiphany and perhaps a more direct way would be to have a dedicated service for it on January 6th where each element has an Epiphany theme to it. The video could be about the wise men coming and worshiping the Lord. The songs we sing could emphasize the offering that we bring before the Lord. And perhaps the message could be about the unimaginable grace that God extends to us.
Celebrating Epiphany in the church calendar in my church context wouldn’t be an extreme thing to do, and quite honestly, I believe it would enhance our worship service because we are focusing in on the grace of God and making that the focal point of our service.
