Epiphany means the manifestation of the divine on earth. The Christian Epiphany is the celebration of the recognition of Christ by the Magi or Wise Men. It also celebrates His much later baptism by John the Baptist (traditionally called the Illumination of Jesus) and the changing of the Water into Wine at the Wedding Feast at Cana. The song The Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the 12 days from Christmas to this day.
At Grace Church, we observe this Feast on the Sunday closest to January 6 with the procession of the Magi, bringing three beautiful large figures of the Magi from the back of the church to the front where they join our figures of the Holy Family.
Additionally, because this is one of the recommended days for Holy Baptism, we either celebrate baptisms or reflect on the importance of baptism and its place in the Christian life.
The Collect of the Feast of The Epiphany
O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only begotten Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know thee now by faith, to thy presence, where we may behold thy glory face to face; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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