The Season of Epiphany

The Season of Epiphany — When the Light Spreads Outward

If Christmas is the celebration of God entering the world in the quiet of Bethlehem, then Epiphany is the moment that light begins to spread.

It is the season when the identity of Jesus — hidden in the humility of the manger — begins to shine forth for all people to see.

The Church calls this time Epiphany, from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning appearance, manifestation, or revelation. 

And that is exactly what this season is about: God revealing Himself in Christ.

When the Season of Epiphany Begins and Ends

The season begins with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, one of the oldest Christian celebrations, dating back to the 4th century.

From there, the season continues until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, lasting anywhere from four to nine weeks, depending on the date of Easter.

Where Christmas focuses on the birth of Christ, Epiphany focuses on the unveiling of who He was as his ministry unfolds.

What Epiphany Celebrates

The season opens with one of the most iconic stories in Scripture: the visit of the Magi. 

These wise travellers from the East follow a star to find the Christ child, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh — symbols of His kingship, divinity, and future suffering.

But Epiphany is not only about the Magi seeking the young Jesus.

Throughout the season, the Church reflects on important ways the specialness of Jesus as an adult was observed:

• The Baptism of the Lord — when a voice from heaven declares, This is my beloved Son – Sermon link
• The Wedding at Cana — Jesus’ first miracle, revealing His glory Water into Wine – Sermon link
• Fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the long-awaited Jewish Messiah – Why Jesus went to Galilee – Sermon link
• Ministry stories — healings, teachings, and signs that unveil His identity – such as when:
  He healed two blind men – Reflection link
  His strength of character was revealed when the Jewish elders challenged him – Reflection link
  
• Candlemass —  The Feast of the Presentation, where Simeon proclaims Jesus as the Light of the World – Sermon link

These moments are not random. They are the first flashes of recognition — as the world begins to understand who Jesus truly is.

The Spiritual Tone of Epiphany

If Christmas is intimate and contemplative, Epiphany is expansive.

Its themes include:

• Light spreading into the world
• Revelation and recognition
• Mission and calling
• The simple truth, Jesus will save all who believe in him.

The Magi represent the nations of the world coming to recognise Israel’s Messiah.

The Baptism reveals the Holy Trinity.

The wedding at Cana reveals Jesus’ divine power. 

Each individual story widens the circle of understanding.

Epiphany is a season that asks:

Now that Christ has come, what does His coming mean for the world — and for us?

Why the Season of Epiphany Matters Today

Today, we live in a world hungry for clarity, meaning, and direction. Epiphany speaks directly into that longing.

It reminds us:

• God is not hidden — He will reveal Himself to us.
• Christ’s light is for all people, not just a select few.
• Faith is a journey of discovery, like the Magi’s long journey.
• Our calling is to reflect the light we have received into the world.

In a culture that often rushes from Christmas straight into ordinary life, Epiphany invites us to pause and pay attention to the ways God continues to make Himself known.

Living the Epiphany Season More Deeply

Here are a few simple practices that can help you enter the spirit of Epiphany:

• Follow the Magi’s example: reflect on where God might be guiding you.
• Pray with the Gospel stories of Jesus’ early ministry.
• Light a candle each day as a reminder of Christ’s light.
• Look for personal “epiphanies” — special moments of clarity, insight, or grace.
• Practice hospitality or generosity that reflects God’s universal welcome.