Epiphany is January 6. The general topic of this day and the season that follows is Jesus’ manifestation of himself as God. Epiphany means “manifestation” or “appearance” and in many churches, primarily remembers the arrival of the Magi. In many Eastern churches however, Epiphany has come to be celebrated as the baptism of Jesus and his first miracle at Cana.

On the Feast of Epiphany (January 6) and the season after Epiphany (the period after January 6 to the beginning of Lent), the church has traditionally celebrated the making known of Jesus Christ to the world. During this time of the year, Bible readings and sermons deal with Jesus’ identity. Since the purpose of the Christian Year is to relive the major events in Jesus’ life in real time, during this season after Epiphany, we remember Christ’s life from his birth, as he grows and begins his public ministry.

Several events have been thought of as special instances of the making known of our Lord:

The Visit of the Magi – Matthew 2:1–12
The Presentation of the Lord – Luke 2:22–38
The Baptism of the Lord – Luke 3:15–17, 21–22
Jesus’ First Miracle in Cana – John 2:1–11
The Transfiguration – Matthew 17:1–3; Mark 9:2–9; Luke 9:28–36

In each of these instances, Jesus is made known publicly through a declaration or act: the Magi announcing to King Herod that they are searching for the new King; Simeon declaring that his eyes are seeing the glory of the Lord as he holds baby Jesus in his arms; God the Father’s voice speaking from heaven informing those at Jesus’ baptism that this is his “beloved Son”; the disciples believing in Jesus when they see his miracle at the wedding reception in Cana; and again, the voice of the Father at the Mount of Transfiguration speaking about Jesus.

Just as the word itself means a manifestation of Jesus as the Christ, we find a spiritual emphasis for our own lives during Epiphany. Because God’s glory has been manifested in Jesus Christ, we, as his disciples, have been called to manifest Christ’s glory through not only our words and actions, but through our lives as we reach out to be the epiphany to those with whom we come in contact.