Epiphany

The Season of Epiphany

Epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation” and during this season, we see Christ as revealed to the whole world. It is a time for rededicating ourselves to our own ministries and our missionary task – to continue the  spread of Jesus’ light in the world. Just as the disciples were called, we received our calling or vocation as Christians through our baptism.

Personal Prayer

The Daily Office from the Prayer Book expresses the call to live each moment in thanksgiving and praise. The service of Morning Prayer opens with the words calling the congregation to praise: “Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.” (BCP 80)

• How do I proclaim God’s praise?
• What is Christ calling me to do?
• How do I live out my baptismal promises at work, home, school or in the community?
• How am I called to point beyond myself to God’s eternal presence in creation?

An Outline of the Faith

• The Ministry
• Holy Baptism

At baptism, every Christian is called into ministry. Simon Peter’s call is the call of every Christian: “Follow me.” Christians are to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church. How do I live out my ministry?

Reflection on God’s action in daily life

The Sermon on the Mount is a vivid statement about the values and lifestyle of the Christian congregation and each baptized member of the Body of Christ. As we devote our hopes and energies to what we can accumulate for ourselves in reputation and possessions, we lose touch with the source of our life and creativity.

• Reflect upon and renew your Baptismal Covenant (BCP 304-305)
• What does it mean to be a disciple? I Corinthians 4:1-5
• How do I live out “My Bounden Duty”? (To follow Christ, weekly gather for corporate worship, and to work, pray and give for the spread of the Kingdom of God)

Things to Do

• Recall times when family members were baptized. Celebrate those anniversaries, just as you celebrate birthdays.
• Celebrate Candlemas on February 2 (Presentation of Jesus in the temple)
• Epiphany has traditionally been a time to bless homes with holy water, incense and prayers, that those who abide in the home may be empowered to live lives that are an epiphany of God’s coming among us in Jesus, into whose body we have been incorporated at our baptism.

Further Resources:

• Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25)
• Radical Sending: Go to Love and Serve
• Member Mission
• Yale Center for Faith & Culture
• Thoughts from the Sheepfold

Related Articles

• The Feast of the Holy Name – January 1