21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;with you I am well pleased.”-Luke 3:21-22
As the season of Christmas winds down and the end of the calendar, the Church Year still continues on! After the season of Christmas, we go through the season of Epiphany until Lent begins. For this month’s newsletter, I wanted to give a brief introduction to the season of Epiphany, as well as to teach about what to expect during Epiphany. I am heavily indebted to my old Professor, Dr. Timothy Maschke, who taught me about the Church Year and for his book, Gathered Guests: A Guide to Worship in the Lutheran Church, which helped to serve as the basis for this article.
Origin: The season of Epiphany is one of the oldest seasons that is observed in the Church Year. The only one older than it? Easter. Epiphany begins on January 6th, and it seems that the date has its origins in a pagan festival that celebrated the birth of Aeon. Back in the first century, the church replaced this festival with a celebration about the baptism and birth of Jesus. Modern Christians celebrate this date as the arrival of the Magi, or wisemen, as they are normally called.
Name and Themes: The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation” in Greek. This season focuses on Jesus’ manifestation as true God and true man. You see this with the inclusion of texts like the baptism of Jesus and the Transfiguration. Texts about Jesus’ miracles are also common in this season (like His first miracle at the wedding at Cana), and they bear witness to His identity as God. Another theme in this season is light, and it is often reflected in the hymns.
Color: The color for the season of Epiphany is green. Green often depicts growth and fulfillment. Green is also used during the season of Pentecost (which is the longest season of the Church Year). The idea of the color green being used can lead credence to the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Scripture, and that the prophecies about Him, His work, and His coming are being fulfilled.
Length: The season of Epiphany can vary in length. Last year, it was as about short as it could be, and this year it will be as long as it can be. What effects the end date? Easter. Last year, Easter was on April 1, which is one of the earlier dates that it can be. This year, Easter is on April 21, which is almost as late as it can be. The latest date that Easter can be is April 25. The next time that will occur is in 2038. The next time after that? The year will be 2190! Epiphany this year will be nine weeks long when you include the appearance of the Magi. Epiphany can have as many as nine Sundays!
Blessings to you as we begin the Epiphany season! ~Pastor Kooi
(Originally published in Emmaus Footprints, Vol. XX, Number 6, January 2019)