What is Epiphany?
Meaning of Epiphany
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Epiphany is commonly defined as an experience of sudden and striking insight. In the Christian tradition, Epiphany celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. It is the twelfth day after Christmas.
Scripture recognizes the journey of the Three Kings, Wise Men or Magi who followed a star to honor the newborn king with their treasure.
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The story of the Wise Men is only found in the Book of Matthew. (See scripture reference below.) They followed a star that led them to the newborn king, where they honored him with their treasure. This journey, in many ways, is symbolic of the journey of faith that we embark on, as we seek to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
The concept of epiphany is not limited to the Christian tradition, as it is a universal experience that can happen to anyone, regardless of their faith or belief system. It is an "aha moment" of sudden and striking insight that can bring about profound change and transformation in our lives.
The experience of epiphany can come in many forms, such as a sudden realization, a profound understanding, or a deep sense of clarity. It can happen in a moment of stillness, during meditation, or even in the midst of chaos and confusion.
The experience of epiphany can come in many forms, such as a sudden realization, a profound understanding, or a deep sense of clarity. It can happen in a moment of stillness, during meditation, or even in the midst of chaos and confusion.
Scripture Reference
Matthew 2:1-12 NRSV
Matthew 2:1-12 NRSV
1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."
3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;
4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.
8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."
9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."
3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;
4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.
8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."
9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Project Zion Podcast
Percolating on Faith: Epiphany
Project Zion Podcast
Coffee to Go: Epiphany
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Epiphany … the day when we celebrate the revelation and acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God, and that he has come for all people. The star is shining bright and the “Magi” make their way to Bethlehem to meet Jesus. But it’s not good news for everyone. Take King Herod for example… the scripture say he was troubled. Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, to hear why it is good news for us. Then, take time to consider what is the “star” that guides you on your spiritual journey towards Jesus.
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Who Were the Magi?
Centre Place Lecture
Centre Place Lecture
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The Gospel of Matthew tells us that "magi" from the East brought gifts to the infant Jesus following a mysterious star. Western Christianity commemorates this event with the feast of Epiphany, on January 6. What do we know about these wise men? Where did they come? Were they kings or Zoroastrian priests? Is there any evidence of a new star? We'll look at all these and other questions to reveal the meaning of this story from a mythological and theological view point.
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Hymn: We Three Kings of Orient Are
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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: KINGS OF ORIENT. Words and Music: John H. Hopkins, Jr., 1820–1891, alt. (in the public domain) Performed by the Beyond the Walls Choir
Through our hymns we sing our faith, and our faith is formed by them. They are the heart-songs that boldly express what we believe and challenge us to grow by announcing new ways of understanding and responding to the Divine.
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CCS 438 - We Three Kings of Orient Are
We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. Refrain: O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign. Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a deity nigh; prayer and praising, voices raising, worshiping God on high. Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom: sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice. Alleluia! Alleluia! sounds through the earth and skies. |