Epiphany – Not Just Filler Until Lent

Epiphany – Not Just Filler Until Lent

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.  – Isaiah 60:2-3

The season of Epiphany is sandwiched between Christmas and Lent.  Because of this, it can, at times, be overlooked by people.  That is unfortunate, though, because Epiphany is a wonderful season and worth our attention.  The purpose of Epiphany is to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus and the revelation of God to nations.  The light of the world shines in the darkness and shows is our salvation, Jesus.

The season begins with the story of star and the magi as people from other nations were drawn to Jesus.  They weren’t lead to an idea or a religion, but the person of Jesus.

The season continues with the Baptism is Jesus, where He numbers himself with the human sinners, the Spirit descends on Him as a dove, and the Father reveals both Jesus’ divinity and the Father’s love for Him.

The season then continues for a varying number of days (depending on how early or late Lent is in a particular year), during which we see Christ’s life and ministry (Jesus praying, teaching, preaching, and healing).

It finishes with Transfiguration Sunday, where Jesus’ face radiated in an unimaginable light and His glory was revealed.

The light of the Word continues to shine to all nations today, drawing people from all nations and races, again, not to an idea, but to a person…Jesus, who is revealed to us in the Word of God, unifies us with His death in Baptism, gives us new life and engages us in ministry, and will bring us into His glory.

During this Epiphany season, may the light of Christ shine in your life and through your life to those around you.

Light of the World,

Shine the light of your grace into our hearts that we may know You and live in You.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt