The Epiphany of the Lord (6 January 2013)

Lectionary

• Isaiah 60:1-6 and Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
• Ephesians 3:1-12
• Matthew 2:1-12

Introduction

The Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord concludes the traditional twelve days of Christmas with a celebration of the universal significance of the Christ Child. In recent lectionaries this festival also introduces a season of varying length between Christmas and Lent. During this season the readings provide an opportunity to explore some of the different ways in which epiphanies (a Greek word for an event or action that reveals the otherwise hidden presence of a god) form part of the Christian faith tradition. Epiphany celebrates the possibility of an encounter with the Sacred beginning with a celebration of the life of Jesus as a divine disclosure.

Commentary and Critical Notes

The following links provide more detailed information on various aspects of this story, including extended citations of the ancient sources:

• Biblical Parallels
• Other Ancient Parallels
• Critical Commentrary and Other Notes

Jesus Database

• 369 Star of Revelation

Liturgies and Prayers

For liturgies and sermons each week, shaped by a progressive theology, check Rex Hunt’s web site

Other recommended sites include:

• Iona Community
• Laughing Bird
• Lectionary & Liturgy Forum
• The Text This Week

Music Suggestions

See David MacGregor’s Together to Celebrate site for recommendations from a variety of contemporary genre.