What does Epiphany mean? The English word is derived from the Greek epiphainein, which means “to appear” or “manifest.” The Epiphany season has to do with the Lord’s manifestation or appearance to the nations. Epiphany (January 6) and the season called by the same name (from January 6 through February 27) celebrate the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, beginning with the visit of the Eastern Kings (the Magi) in Matthew 2. Of course, the manifestation of the Person and mission of Jesus was only gradually unveiled, so the season focuses on the progressive unveiling of our Lord’s mission to the world in his teaching. The four main events commemorated during Epiphany are the adoration of the Magi, the story of Christ’s visit to the temple as a twelve-year-old boy, our Lord’s baptism in the Jordan, and the miracle of turning water into wine for the marriage feast at Cana in Galilee. All four events served progressively to unveil the Lord Jesus Christ to humanity in significant ways at the beginning of his life and the inauguration of his Gospel ministry.
How should I pray? Once again, it is important to remember that Epiphany, like Advent and Christmas, is not merely an opportunity to remember the history of our Lord’s work. More than that, the season calls upon us to memorialize our Lord’s life in prayer before God. The Lord has manifested himself to the Gentiles (representatively to the Magi), he is still manifesting himself to them (in the mission work of the church), and will finally manifest himself fully to all the nations at the last day as Lord and King. Epiphany therefore is a time to reflect upon all of these ways in which the Lord manifests himself. Please remember that the purpose of Epiphany is not primarily to think historical thoughts about Jesus’ life and work. The purpose of Epiphany, like every season in the church year, is to pray—in particular, to pray for the manifestation of the Lord to those who do not know him. Epiphany is a time to reflect upon and pray for the evangelistic mission of the Church.
