What is Epiphany?
In the Anglican tradition, Epiphany isn't just a single day but a season of illumination, where we celebrate the manifestation of Christ to the world. Derived from the Greek word "epiphaneia", meaning "appearing" or "manifestation," Epiphany marks the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God, not only to the Jewish people but to all nations. This season invites us to ponder how God's light breaks into our darkness, calling us to worship and mission.
Epiphany officially begins on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany, and extends until the eve of Ash Wednesday, varying in length depending on the date of Easter. In Anglican parishes around the world, from cathedrals in England to mission churches in Africa, this day commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. These wise men from the East, often depicted as kings representing the Gentile world, followed a star to Bethlehem, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This event symbolizes the universal scope of God's salvation—Christ revealed not just to Israel but to all peoples.
The Gospel reading for Epiphany is from Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV):
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, 'In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: "And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel."' Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, 'Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.' After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way."
This passage underscores the theme of divine guidance and worship. The Magi's journey, guided by a celestial sign, mirrors our own spiritual quests, where God reveals Himself through creation and scripture. In Anglican theology, this story emphasizes faith's response to revelation. The ACNA's Book of Common Prayer 2019, includes a collect for Epiphany that prays: "O God, by the leadings of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Led us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen." This prayer highlights the transition from earthly knowledge to eternal vision.
Historically, Epiphany traces its roots to the early Christian Church. By the fourth century, it was celebrated in the Eastern Church as the feast of Christ's baptism, where the voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son" (Matthew 3:17, ESV). In the West, including what would become the Anglican tradition, the focus shifted to the Magi's adoration, though elements of Christ's baptism and the wedding at Cana—where Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11)—are also commemorated in the Epiphany season. The Anglican Church, emerging from the English Reformation in the 16th century, retained this Western emphasis.
Theologically, Epiphany speaks to the Anglican understanding of incarnation and mission. Anglicans hold to the Chalcedonian definition of Christ as fully God and fully human, and Epiphany celebrates this mystery's unveiling, echoing Isaiah's prophecy often read on Epiphany: "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord" (Isaiah 60:1-6, ESV).
This Old Testament reading foreshadows the Magi's gifts and the inclusion of Gentiles, aligning with St. Paul's words in Ephesians 3:6 (ESV): "that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." For Anglicans, this underscores the church's missionary calling. Figures like William Wilberforce and the Clapham Sect embodied this, drawing on Epiphany themes to advocate for abolition and global evangelism. Today, the Anglican Communion, spanning over 85 million members in diverse cultures, sees Epiphany as a reminder of unity in Christ's light amid global challenges.
Liturgically, Anglican observance of Epiphany is rich and participatory. The Epiphany season's Sundays feature Gospel readings on Christ's manifestations: His baptism (Mark 1:4-11), the calling of disciples (John 1:43-51), and miracles like Cana. Hymns such as "We Three Kings" and "Brightest and Best" fill the air, while the BCP's proper preface for Epiphany intones: "Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who took on our moral flesh to reveal his glory; that he might bring us out of darkness and into his own glorious light."
Beyond the church walls, Epiphany invites personal application. In an age of division and uncertainty, the season challenges Anglicans to be bearers of light. As Richard Hooker, the 16th-century Anglican divine, argued in his "Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity", reason, scripture, and tradition guide our faith. Epiphany encourages us to seek Christ's revelation in daily life—through prayer, sacraments, and service. For instance, the Magi's gifts inspire generosity: gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, myrrh for suffering. In Anglican spirituality, this translates to offering our resources, worship, and empathy to a hurting world.
In conclusion, Epiphany in the Anglican perspective is a profound celebration of revelation, light, and mission. It calls us from the manger to the world, echoing the Magi's worship and Paul's gospel. As we journey through this season, may we, like them, follow the star to Christ, offering our lives in response. In the words of the BCP's post-communion prayer, may we "evermore dwell in him, and he in us." Let Epiphany illuminate your path this year—arise, shine, for your light has come.