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 Epiphanytide, 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. In many traditions, this feast is now transferred to the nearest Sunday.
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 is.
What Epiphany Celebrates
The season opens with one of the most iconic stories in Scripture: the visit of the Magi.
These wise travelers 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. Throughout the season, the Church reflects on several key “manifestations” of Jesus:
- The Baptism of the Lord — when a voice from heaven declares, “This is my beloved Son”
- The Wedding at Cana — Jesus’ first miracle, revealing His glory
- Early ministry stories — healings, teachings, and signs that unveil His identity
These moments are not random. They are the first flashes of recognition — the world beginning 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 universality of Christ’s salvation
The Magi represent the nations. The Baptism reveals the Trinity. Cana reveals divine power. Each 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
We live in a world hungry for clarity, meaning, and direction. Epiphany speaks directly into that longing.
It reminds us:
- God is not hidden — God reveals Himself.
- Christ’s light is for all people, not a select few.
- Faith is a journey of discovery, like the Magi’s long road.
- Our calling is to reflect the light we have received.
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 “epiphanies” — moments of clarity, insight, or grace.
- Practice hospitality or generosity that reflects God’s universal welcome.
Main Feast Days of Epiphany (Church of England)
- 6 January — The Epiphany Celebrates Christ’s manifestation to the nations, especially through the visit of the Magi.
- The First Sunday of Epiphany — The Baptism of Christ Marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the revelation of his identity as God’s Son.
- The Second Sunday of Epiphany Traditionally focuses on the early signs of Christ’s glory (e.g., the wedding at Cana).
- The Third Sunday of Epiphany Continues the theme of Christ revealed to the world.
- The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany Often highlights Christ’s authority and teaching.
- 2 February — The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas) Concludes the Epiphany season and celebrates Christ as the Light of the World and recalls Mary and Joseph presenting him in the Temple.
