Epiphany: Manifestation & Mission
Most modern nativity sets include some version of “the three kings”—the mysterious Magi who followed the star in order to pay homage to the newborn King Jesus. However, the Western Church has historically set aside a separate Feast Day on January 6 to commemorate this special visit. It’s called Epiphany, and it is not the parenthetical afterthought of Christmas. Rather, like Christmas, Epiphany is the first day of a liturgical season: a period of time that frames our worship and reflection on Christ’s earthly ministry.
The word Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneo, meaning “to reveal” or “to make manifest.” The Magi, then, are a fitting introduction to Epiphanytide. Matthew tells us they were “wise men from the East” who followed a star to find Jesus. Essentially, these were pagan kings who practiced astrology—and to whom God revealed Himself.
Through His self-revelation, Jesus turned pagan kings into prophetic worshipers. This profound encounter is an example of the power of the gospel but also a reminder, at the very outset of Jesus’ life, that the King of the Jews is also King of the World. Jesus has come, as Simeon prophesied, “to be a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32) He has come to be a blessing to all nations, and the One to whom all kings of the earth will one day bring their treasures.
Epiphany, then, is an appropriate culmination to our observance of Christmas. After anticipating the Light during Advent and welcoming Him at Christmas, now we celebrate that the Light will go forth to the ends of the earth. And as Christ’s light converts us, it also sends us outward to the nations. In other words, Epiphany starts with manifestation and ends with mission.
As we enter Epiphanytide, we are invited to reflect on the manifestation of God’s glory in the person of Jesus. It is a season that draws us more deeply into His life and light, and that sends us more fully into mission. As we shall see, the motion of this Light—the life of Christ— is one that ultimately leads to the Cross. Even during Epiphany, we’ll receive multiple foretastes of the suffering in store for Jesus; reminders of just how much it will cost Him to reveal the love of God to a broken world. In this way, Epiphany can also be a season that prepares us for Lent. So may we enter in with expectation— for all that Jesus wants to reveal in and to us.