The Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying: „Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have arrived to worship Him.“ (Matthew 2,1-2)
Epiphany brings to close the 12-day Christmas season we've been celebrating since December 24th. Christmas focused on the birth of Jesus and its fulfillment of the old testament promises to send the world the Messiah. Epiphany focuses on the manifestation of that Messiah's Divine nature among mankind.
John tells us that Jesus is the Light of the world who overcomes the darkness. At His birth, God puts a star in the heavens to announce His Son's birth. Starlight heralds the arrival of the True Light. Another light would also prepare the way for Jesus, that being John the Baptizer. And so Epiphany is bookmarked by the lesser lights (the star and John) heralding the Great Light.
During Epiphany we see Jesus manifesting His Divine nature in His public ministry. His light shines forth, and the darkness has not overcome it. Jesus illuminates us with the gospel, which proclaims that God has arrived to redeem His fallen creation from sin, death and hell. Those living in darkness have seen a great light, and they rejoice at the arrival of Jesus for He saves them from their sinfulness and opens up the kingdom of heaven for all people.
Prayer: O God, by the leading of a star You made know Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy heaven the fullness of Your Divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. (L11, Treasury of Daily Prayer)
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