(Classic and modern artwork illuminates the meaning of the church season and links us to our heritage as Christians. Click on any image on this page for a larger version and more information about the artwork.)

The Season of the Epiphany

The Epiphany season, which begins on Epiphany Day, January 6, varies in length depending on the date set for Easter. It lasts until the Transfiguration of our Lord, which is the Sunday before Lent begins (this year, Sunday, Feb. 14; Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010.)

With the exception of Easter, Epiphany is the oldest season of the church year. In the early church, it was a time when new converts were admitted to the church after a period of preparation.

Like several other Christian seasons, Epiphany was appropriated by the church from a pagan festival. As early as 1996 B.C., the Egyptians celebrated the winter solstice (which then occurred on January 6) with a tribute to Aeon, the Virgin. At first, Epiphany was a celebration of both the birth and baptism of Jesus. After Christmas became a separate season, Epiphany became an observance of Jesus' baptism in the Eastern church and of the visit of the Magi in the Western church.

"Epiphany" means "to be made manifest," and Epiphany observances emphasize the manifestation of Jesus as "Light to the Gentiles" and the "Glory of Israel" to Simeon when Jesus was presented at the temple, the manifestation of Jesus as God's beloved Son at His baptism, and the manifestation of Jesus to the whole world as represented by the Wise Men of the East. In fact, the earliest Epiphany observances were based on the Jewish Feast of Lights, which today is called Hanukkah ("Dedication"). The Jewish holiday celebrates the rededication of the temple under the Maccabees, but the Christian observance of Epiphany celebrates the astonishing revelation that it is in Christ that God dwells on earth among men. Jesus made many references to himself as the true temple (e.g. John 2:12-22).

Sunday Lessons and Readings for Epiphany 2010:

Baptism of Our Lord - Jan. 10, 2010

Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your beloved Son. Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Second Sunday after Epiphany - Jan. 17, 2010

Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11

Prayer of the Day
Lord God, source of every blessing, you showed forth your glory and led many to faith by the works of your Son, who brought gladness and salvation to his people.  Transform us by the Spirit of his love, that we may find our life together in him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Third Sunday after Epiphany - Jan. 24, 2010

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19
1 Corinthains 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21

Prayer of the Day
Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people.  Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - Jan. 31, 2010

Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30

Prayer of the Day
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and love; and that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany - Feb. 7, 2010

Isaiah 6:1-8 [9-13]
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11

Prayer of the Day
Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and before you angels and saints stand in awe.  Enlarge our vision to see your power at work in the world, and by your grace make us heralds of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Transfiguration of Our Lord - Last Sunday after Epiphany - Feb. 14, 2010

Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2
Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a]

Prayer of the Day
Holy God, mighty and immortal, you are beyond our knowing, yet we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.  Transform us into the likeness of your Son, who renewed our humanity so that we may share in his divinity, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.