“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’” — Matthew 2:1–2 (BSB)
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:4–5 (BSB)
“Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” — John 2:11 (BSB)
The Feast of the Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi, Gentile wise men who were led by a star to worship the newborn King. Their journey and adoration signify that Christ came not for one people only, but for the redemption of the whole world. The season of Epiphany also recalls the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and His first miracle at Cana—events that publicly revealed His identity as the Son of God.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “At Epiphany, we see the veil pulled back. The glory of Christ begins to shine in the world, and we are called not only to marvel—but to follow.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “Epiphany is a season of mission. The Light has come, and now that Light must be made known to all nations. The Church exists to bear witness to the glory revealed in Jesus.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer marks Epiphany with a Collect that prays, “O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles… grant us grace to follow thy holy Child with pure hearts and joyful obedience.”
J.C. Ryle noted the importance of Epiphany’s global message: “Let us never forget that Jesus is not merely for us, but for all people. The wise men came from afar—and still today, the nations must hear of His name.” (Expository Thoughts on Matthew, 1856)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) teaches, “Epiphany proclaims that Christ is King over all. His light has dawned on the world—and the Church is called to walk in that light and share it without fear or shame.”
Epiphany glorifies Christ by revealing His identity as Savior, Son of God, and true Light. It is a season of illumination, invitation, and response—calling the whole world to come and worship Him.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The star pointed the way, but Christ is the true Light. The Magi came and believed—let all nations now come to the Light of the world.” — Sermon 200
St. Gregory Nazianzus (c. 329–390 AD): “Christ is manifested—at His birth, to the Magi; at His baptism, to the world; at Cana, in power. Let us adore Him as King, Son, and Lord.” — Oration 38, On the Theophany
St. Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306–373 AD): “The star from heaven revealed the Sun of righteousness. Epiphany is the feast of the Light—the day the nations began to hope.” — Hymns on the Epiphany, 2.1
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