A Time Called… Epiphany
The Christian faith has a special relationship with time. Just as our lives are measured in days, weeks, and years, so too is the story of our relationship with God. The rhythm of our week is designed to culminate in the Sunday Sabbath, and week by week, Sunday by Sunday, we build upon the story of God’s revelation to humankind in an annual dance called the liturgical calendar.
We celebrated the season of Advent, which is the 4 weeks before Christmas up to and including Christmas Eve. The season of Christmas follows, which includes Christmas Day and the “Twelve days of Christmas.” (December 25-January 5).
We have just entered the season of Epiphany, which runs from January 6 through to Shrove Tuesday (this year, February 21), which is the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent.
Epiphany means a sudden insight or new understanding. Celebrated on January 6, Epiphany marked the manifestation of God to humanity. Over time, it also marked the feast of the visit of the magi to the child Jesus. With its focus on the coming of the magi (traditionally representing various races of humanity), Epiphany celebrates the universality of the gospel. God came for all people.
But the season of Epiphany encompasses more. The season of Epiphany starts with the arrival of the Magi, but then follows the life of Jesus through his baptism, beginning of his ministry, miracles and teachings such as the Sermon on the Mount. As we have the opportunity to hear these stories, we see the divinity of Christ shining through his humanity. A common theme throughout the season is that of light. During Advent, the world was in darkness and we waited for the coming of the Light into the world. At Christmas, the Light shone forth, but was only seen by a few around the crib, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. At Epiphany the Light bursts forth to all nations and prophecy is fulfilled. The last Sunday in the season of Epiphany is “Transfiguration” Sunday, where the disciples see Jesus shining with the glory of God. It is after this event that Jesus begins his journey to the cross through the season of Lent.
