The Greek word epiphaneia means "manifestation" or "appearance” or “glorious display.” Epiphany and the season after Epiphany (called Epiphanytide) is a celebration of the Savior of the world appearing to both Israel and to the Gentiles. In 2 Timothy 1:9-10, Paul writes about how God planned to save us and call us to a holy calling through Christ Jesus, and His purpose and grace was "manifested through the appearing (epiphaneias) of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."
Watch these two videos or read the excerpt below to learn about the church calendar. Nicholas Lubelfeld is our reverend extraordinaire and resident sage of all things theology, especially when it comes to the Anglican tradition. As is his common way, Nicholas helps us lean into the season with tender hearts and endearing humility. In these two videos, he explains the transition from Christmas to Epiphanytide to Lent.
Historically, Epiphanytide is a season in which one considers the mission of the church. It culminates in the story of the transfiguration of Jesus on the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Everything up until now, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, has been defined by Christmas. When is Advent? It's the four Sundays before Christmas, which begins the church year. When is Epiphany? That's on January 6. Everything revolves around these two fixed dates. These are two beginning and end points, Christmas at the beginning on December 25 and Epiphany at the end of 12 days.
The first Sunday after Epiphany is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We often celebrate holy baptism on that day. After Epiphany, there's a season for a week or two of luminous readings. During that time, we read the story of the miracle in Cana where Jesus transforms vast jugs of water into wine at a wedding in Galilee. That's a manifestation. It says in John's gospel this was the first sign where Jesus manifested his glory and his power. It's a wonderful figure of the manifestation of Christ. So Epiphany begins with the Visit of the Magi (Matt. 2:1-12), which is followed by the story of the Baptism of the Lord (Matt. 3:13-17) and the story of the Miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11) - three themes.
Collect for the Epiphany: O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the people of the earth: Lead us, who know you by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.