The Epiphany
The Collect:O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now 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 for ever.
Amen.Today is the Epiphany or the manifestation of Christ to the peoples of the earth. The winter solstice was kept on January 6 at some places during the first centuries of the Christian Era. In opposition to pagan festivals, Christians chose this day to celebrate the various manifestations, or "epiphanies," of Jesus' divinity. These showings of his divinity included his birth, the coming of the Magi, his baptism, and the Wedding at Cana where he miraculously changed water into wine. The day was called "The Feast of Lights." Celebration of the Son of God replaced celebration of the sun. Baptisms were done, and a season of preparation was instituted. It was later called Advent.
The solstice was kept on December 25 by the fourth century. Jesus' birth was celebrated on this day in both eastern and western churches. The western church commemorated the coming of the Magi on January 6. The eastern church continued to celebrate the Baptism of our Lord and the Wedding at Cana on January 6. In the east the day was called "Theophany" (manifestation of God).
The coming of the Magi is celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, in the BCP. The Baptism of our Lord is celebrated on the First Sunday after the Epiphany. *
Join us at St. Alban's tomorrow, Wednesday, January 7 for our 12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist. We will use the proper readings for The Epiphany and talk about all it means.
* An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church,
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/
