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Epiphany

  We are in the midst of the Epiphany season.  What does that mean? The word epiphany literally means to reveal, appear, or to make known. The date of Epiphany is January 6, and is marked by the visit of the wise men. The wise men were Gentiles, possibly from ancient Persia. Thus Jesus is revealed or made known as the Son of God who appeared to offer salvation to all people, not just the Lord’s chosen Israel. 

  The word 𠇎piphany” is taken from the Greek epiphaneia. This word is found in I Timothy 6:14: “keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing (epiphaneia) of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is also found in Titus 2:13: “While we wait for the blessed hope, the blessed appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

  The Epiphany season lasts anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on the date of Easter. If Easter is early in the spring (in late March) then the Epiphany season is only four weeks long. If Easter is in late April, the Epiphany season is longer because the Lenten season starts later. This year, Easter is April 20, so that means the Epiphany season is a bit longer, going into the first week of March.

  The theme or emphasis of Epiphany is that Christ Jesus is revealed or made known to be the Savior of all. But He is not revealed merely as a human person, like a great king or prophet.  Rather, he is revealed as the Son of God. The wise men said they had come to “worship him.”  We do not worship mere humans; rather we worship God. Jesus’ baptism is also part of Epiphany. At His baptism, God spoke and said, “This is my beloved Son,” and the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus. Jesus did not need baptism for the forgiveness of his sins, like we do. Rather, Jesus was baptized to 𠇏ulfill all righteousness,” that is, to show that He was placing himself under the Law, which He would obey in our place, and save us by His righteousness. Jesus’ first miracle is one of the Epiphany lessons, where He turned water into wine at the Cana wedding feast. It is appropriate because it shows His miraculous powers and, as John 2 notes, “He thus revealed his glory and his disciples put their faith in him.” 

  In the remaining weeks of the Epiphany season, we will hear more of how Jesus is revealed as the Son of God, the Savior of both Jew and Gentile who believe. Jesus turns water into wine; He teaches at the synagogue in Nazareth and says that He has fulfilled the words of the Old Testament; Jesus drives out evil spirits; He shines with divine glory, standing with Moses and Elijah. As we hear these accounts think about how God’s Son is revealed (epiphaneia) to us!