What is Epiphany?

Epiphany offers the church a time to focus on the journey and story of the Magi. While this story is sometimes pulled in with the story of Christ's birth around Christmas, the Magi did not arrive to see Jesus until about two years after the birth of Christ. The separate liturgical event of Epiphany allows us to focus on this story. The narrative of the Magi not only shows their faithfulness to God and their worship of Christ, but also demonstrates how in Christ God calls all nations, not just Israel, to worship God. This story also illustrates the tensions among Christ's authority and the existing earthly authorities. Not only do the Magi worship Christ the king, but they disobey King Herod by not returning to report on the young Jesus' location.

Some themes that could be explored during Epiphany are God showing love to the world in Christ in calling the Magi, the Magi's faithfulness to God, and discernment among the different loyalties and loves that attract us or compel us to act.

How do I plan an Epiphany service?

When is Epiphany?

Epiphany falls twelve days after Christmas (December 25) on January 6. It is observed in worship on the Sunday that follows January 6. 

What colors are associated with Epiphany?

The colors that are assocaited with Epiphany are the Christmas colors of gold and white; they also include yellow.

What are the associated objects or symbols with Epiphany?

• The Magi
• Star

What themes are associated with Epiphany?

• revelation
• light of Christ
• all nations are blessed

Bible passage ideas for Epiphany sermons

Scripture themes and passages appropriate for preaching and worship during the Season of Epiphany include:

Manifestation of Christ, the Light of the World

For generations, the people of Israel had waited for their king. Yet the king that was born was not what they were expecting—he was much more. He was not just an earthly king; he was a light to the whole world.

• Psalm 72, the manifestation of God's kingship
• Isaiah 60, the light of God
• John 8:12, the light of the world
• 2 Corinthians 4:4–6, the light of Jesus Christ
• Titus 2:11–14, waiting for the manifestation of Christ
• Revelation 21:22–26, the full manifestation of Christ

All nations shall be blessed

Often the content of our Christmas celebration is shaped by what we do with the weeks following Christmas. Churches that observe Christmas as a stand-alone event may find it difficult to get past the sentimentality of seeing a cute, mild-natured baby in the manger. But the incarnation involves much more than the drama of Christmas itself; it brings a vision of God's glory to the nations of the world.

• Genesis 12:1–3, all people will be blessed
• 1 Chronicles 16:8–36, declare God's deeds among all the peoples
• Psalm 47, the kings of the earth belong to God
• Psalm 67, let all the nations praise God
• Psalm 96, declare God's glory among the nations
• Psalm 117, "Praise the Lord, all you nations"
• Isaiah 12:4–6, make known among the nations what God has done
• Isaiah 42:1–9, God will bring justice to the nations
• Isaiah 49:5–7, the kings of the nations bow down
• Isaiah 60:1–3, nations will come to the light
• Matthew 2:1–12, the Magi worship
• Luke 13:22–30, people from all corners of the earth will enter God's kingdom
• Romans 15:5–13, the gospel for Jews and Gentiles alike
• Ephesians 3:1–12, Paul brings the gospel to Gentiles
• Philippians 2:1–11, every knee shall bow
• Revelation 5, the blood of the Lamb for people from every nation

Shining stars

Harkening back to the covenantal promises in Genesis, this theme of shining stars demonstrates God's enduring faithfulness to God's people, who will be as many as the stars in the sky (Genesis 26:4).

• Genesis 26:1–5, as many as the stars in the sky
• Numbers 24:1, a star will come out of Jacob
• Psalm 8, the Creator cares for humanity
• Psalm 136, God's love endures forever
• Matthew 2:1–12, the Magi follow the star
• Philippians 2:12–18, shine like stars in the sky
• Revelation 22:12–17, Jesus is the bright morning star

Sermon ideas for Epiphany

"As the wise men followed the star, so our inclination towards heaven draws us onward through the world. It forms the pillars of our imaginations, and as we go about our daily work we are conscious of God's grace going before us and behind us." Blake Sawicky on Covenant

"Wise women also came, and they brought useful gifts: water for labor's washing, fire for warm illumination, a blanket for swaddling." Jan L Richardson on The Painted Prayerbook

"Isaiah 60:1-6 is doubly suited to Epiphany when given a christological interpretation. First, the Incarnation replaces the return from Babylon as God's great act of salvation. In the revelation of God in Christ, the light has indeed shone in the darkness, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon the world. As the Gentiles respond to that revelation, a response symbolically prefigured in the journey of the Magi, the eschatological pilgrimate of the Gentiles to Zion is fulfilled." Reginald H Fuller on The Sunday Website

"The glorious manifestation of the infinite love of God for all peoples and nations is now unveiled before the Magi, and our very own eyes of faith, in this newborn infant, "Yeshuah." Gabriel de Chadarevian on Homiletic and Pastoral Review

"Awaken us. Astonish us. Attenuate us. Amplify your redemptive purposes in and through us, for your glory, and for the remaking of this world that you so love." Lisa Waites on Global Christian Worship

Find more sermon ideas for Epiphany from Zeteosearch.org.