Epiphany and the Sundays Following

Epiphany is January 6th and is usually celebrated on Epiphany Sunday (the Sunday before January 6th).  Epiphany means "manifestation."  It is a celebration of the manifestation of Jesus as the Christ, not just as the Messiah of Israel's longing, but also Savior of all the whole world.  As we celebrate the common events of  Epiphany and the season that follows ; the visit of the wise men (on Epiphany), the baptism of Jesus, the marriage feast at Cana, the calling and following of the disciples, and the transfiguration of Jesus, we focus on Christ being made manifest in us and through us.  It is appropriate to contemplate our own discipleship during this time.  Questions to ponder:  Is Christ being made known in me as I draw near to him in prayer?  Am I listening to his continuous call to follow him?  Is Christ being made known through me as I seek to open my heart to others?  Am I showing Christ's love through hospitality to those who are lonely and isolated such as the homeless, immigrants, the disabled, the aged, the sick, the imprisoned, new-comers, those away from family and so on?

Summary of Epiphany Spirituality From the book, Ancient Future Spirituality by Robert E. Webber

Theme	Spiritual Emphasis
What does Epiphany    celebrate?	It manifests Jesus as the Son of God and Savior not only of Israel but of the whole world.
What is the focus of Epiphany day worship?	The coming of the three wise men to worship Jesus.
What is Epiphany spirituality?	That Christ may be manifested in us and through us.
What is the theme of all Sunday worship in the after Epiphany season?	The glory of God manifest in his Son.
How do we experience the manifest glory of God in us?	In union with Christ we are to be like him.  Epiphany spirituality chooses, by the Spirit, to do what Jesus would do.
How is Christ in us achieved?	Through continuous prayer.
How do we manifest Christ through us?	The fathers of the church identify hospitality as a primary context through which we manifest Christ.

Epiphany Prayer
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ
and proclaim to all people the good news of his salvation, that we and the
whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
From The Book of Common Prayer