As we typically use the word, “epiphany” refers to a brilliant thought: “Hey, guys, I just had an epiphany that might solve our cashflow problem. Let’s spend less money than we make!” It’s a moment of sudden insight, a life-changing thought, a revelation.
It’s that last word—“revelation”—that gets at the meaning of “epiphany” when used in a religious context like ours. Epiphany, in the liturgical traditions of Christianity, celebrates the revelation of God in the flesh. Western Christianity (Catholicism, Anglicanism) usually associates Epiphany with the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentile nations, embodied in the visit of the Magi. Eastern Christianity (Eastern Orthodoxy, ancient churches in Africa & Asia) associates Epiphany with Jesus’ manifestation to the world at His baptism in the Jordan River at the beginning of His earthly ministry. In both traditions, it’s all about the revelation of God in the flesh.
The Feast of Epiphany goes back to the early centuries of the church (361 is the earliest known, clear reference), and the Church eventually settled on January 6 as the traditional date, the twelfth night after Christmas. So, for example, the Bannikov’s church in Kazakhstan celebrates Epiphany every year by remembering Jesus’ baptism on the first Sunday of January.
As you may know, there are many dates like this in the course of the year—significant moments from Jesus’ life that churches try to commemorate one way or another. Some, like Jesus’ first coming (Advent) and resurrection (Easter), we’ve observed at Parker Hills for many years. Others we haven’t, like Jesus’ appearance (Epiphany) and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost). All these and more are recognized annually in more liturgical churches—perhaps the churches some of you grew up in (for better or worse!).
As we went through our “Church Matters” series (Fall 2018) and then the Book of Acts (Fall 2019), our elders realized there would be significant value in leading our congregation to share this tradition and remember some of these events and/or important Christian teachings. So today we’ll observe Epiphany, not with a full feast but with a simple acknowledgement, a short explanation, and a responsive reading. We hope this exercise will help you better appreciate the historical fact that one day long ago, God truly did reveal Himself in the flesh right here on earth!