Epiphany

Today is the Epiphany of the Lord. Eastern churches continue to empahzise Epiphany while Western churches emphasize Advent. For Western churches Christmas Day begins the twelve days of celebration of Christmas, and Epiphany is the twelfth day of that celebration marked by the visit of the wise men to the Christ Child.

"This [Epiphany] is a celebration of Christ being made known to the Gentiles. The story of the wise men, who came to worship the Christ child, is also part of the season. Jesus is the gift of salvation for all nations. Sharing the good news of Jesus with all people is an important focus during Epiphany. A central theme during Epiphany is God’s light overcoming the darkness of sin and evil. Symbols of light, stars, (star of Bethlehem), crowns, and gifts (wise men) are used during this time of the church year. The season is flexible in length due to the changing date of Easter each calender year."

Sacred Seasons by Brett Webb-Mitchell and Diane Archer

This celebration of the revelation of God’s light and power Christ (John 1:1-2:11) provides us with a theological understanding of Jesus and an opportunity to begin too understand what is fully revealed to us through the rest of the Christian Year. Perhaps we miss something significant by not observing this day in the lives of most United Methodist churches.