What Is Epiphany?

By George B. Antonakos

Today, January 6th, is celebrated as the Epiphany of the Lord. The word epiphany literally means "to show" or "to reveal." In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is also known as Three Kings' Day because the Wise Men or Magi who brought gifts to the infant Jesus were the first Gentiles to acknowledge Jesus as "King," and so were the first to "show" or "reveal" Jesus to a wider world as the incarnate Christ.

This act of worship by the Magi, which corresponded to Simeon's blessing that this child Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32), was one of the first indications that Jesus came for all people, of all nations, of all races, and that the work of God in the world would not be limited to only a few.

Some Christian traditions observe Epiphany as a single day while others celebrate it as a season of time with the last Sunday of Epiphany celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday.

Perhaps the most helpful aspect of remembering this traditional season is to remind ourselves that Epiphany is a time of focusing on the mission of the church. As we begin 2008 and gather together on this first Sunday of the New Year, let us commit ourselves anew to reach others by "showing" Jesus as the Savior of all people. Let us also be mindful that this season is also a time of focusing on Christian brotherhood and fellowship, especially in healing the divisions of prejudice and bigotry that we all too often create among God's children. Perhaps the prayer that follows will be a helpful tool to guide us in making the focus of this season more practical:

An Epiphany Prayer

Father, we thank you for revealing yourself to us in Jesus the Christ, we who once were not your people but whom you chose to adopt as your people. As ancient Israel confessed long ago, we realize that it was not because of our own righteousness, or our own superior wisdom, or strength, or power, or numbers. It was simply because you loved us, and chose to show us that love in Jesus.

As you have accepted us when we did not deserve your love, will you help us to accept those whom we find it hard to love? Forgive us, O Lord, for any attitude that we harbor that on any level sees ourselves as better than or more righteous than others. Will you help us to remove the barriers of prejudice and to tear down the walls of bigotry - religious or social? O Lord, help us realize that the walls that we erect for others only form our own prisons!

May we, through your guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues in ways that we have not imagined of holding the Light of your love so that it may be a Light of revelation for all people.

We thank you for your love, praise you for your Gift, ask for your continued Presence with us, and bring these petitions in the name of your Son, who has truly revealed your heart. Amen.

(With gratitude to Dennis Bratcher; Copyright © CRI/Voice, Institute)