Epiphany
Epiphany is a Greek word meaning “manifestation, showing forth, revelation.” This feast proclaims our faith that in Jesus, God is revealed to all people — not just to an inner circle or a chosen few, but to all people, in all places, and throughout all time. Christians believe that in the person of Jesus we see who God is, and in the words and actions of Jesus we see God at work in the world. Epiphany marks a series of occasions at which Jesus was revealed to be God’s Son.
The feast of Epiphany and the weeks that follow are a time when we reflect on several “manifestations” of Jesus, as he was recognized as the Messiah (or Christ) by many different people. We hear about Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan by John the Baptist and the visit of the magi, or wise men, who followed the star to Bethlehem at Jesus’ birth. We share the amazement of the guests at the wedding party at Cana as Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into fine wine. And at the end of the season we see Jesus’ glory shown to three of his disciples on the mountain as he is transfigured before them in a blaze of light.
Open: Arise, shine, for your light has come. And the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you.
Scripture: God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Genesis 1:3
Meditation: How will I invite God’s love to shine through me today?
Prayer: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid; Star of the east, the horizon adorning, Guide where the infant Redeemer is laid.
Close: Arise, shine, for your light has come. And the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. *
* Daily Prayer for All Seasons, © 2014 The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America
