THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY

The dictionary defines "epiphany" as a "revealing, a manifestation, an unveiling." Our church sees the Epiphany season as the time of Christ's lordship over all creation is revealed, made manifest, unveiled. What was once known only to the Holy Family and shepherds at Christmas now is made known to a greater audience. Jesus is "revealed" as Son of God to the Magi, court astrologers from distant lands who come to worship and give this King their tribute. Jesus' epiphany as Son of God reaches to the ends of the earth. Jesus is "revealed" as Son of God to John the Baptist and his disciples at the river Jordan, not to mention the great crowds that came to declare their repentance, thus to make Israel ready for Messiah's advent. There stood Jesus, God's Messiah, who was already among them. John, at least, had it right, when he spoke of his unworthiness to untie even the thong of Jesus' sandal. Jesus is "revealed" as Son of God to a growing base of support among the populace of Galilee, and particularly a group of followers, some fishermen, even a tax collector. Jesus' epiphany as Son of God reaches even across time, as the Church, gathered each Lord's Day around Word and Sacrament, is embraced by the call to "come and see, come and follow, go and tell others."

Because the Christ is here, present among us, we must:
• Now look to the adult ministry of the babe of Bethlehem,
• Show him, "reveal him," to others so that they too may know him as Son of God, and
• Broaden our vision of Christ's work on earth to include people of all races, backgrounds, cultures, and times.

Advent always covers four Sundays, and Lent is always forty days long. The Epiphany season however lasts as long as it takes to move us from January 6 to Ash Wednesday. A late Easter, and hence a late Ash Wednesday, means that our Epiphany season is longer than usual. An early Easter means a shorter Epiphany season. Whether long or short, the Epiphany-tide serves as the bridge between Christ's birth and passion.

In the same way Christians today do whatever is necessary to invite the world to dwell within the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection. It is there that the world's salvation lies, and therein we dwell also. Keep this in your teaching during this Epiphany season and proclaim God's saving love to all you meet!

The activities we've chosen celebrate the key images of the Epiphany season: the coming of the Magi, Jesus as the Light of the world, the invitation to come and see, come and follow, go and tell. Share these images with your children and encourage them to likewise go and tell!

Previous Messages