A New Season is About to Begin

St. Andrew’s,

Christmastide is drawing to a close, but a new season of wonder is about to begin. Epiphany means manifestation. On Epiphany and the Sundays that follow, we celebrate the ways that Jesus’ identity was revealed through signs during his ministry.

On the day of Epiphany, we celebrate the visit of the Magi (aka wise men, or three kings). Jesus’ identity was made manifest to Gentiles through the star over Bethlehem. We will hold a noonday service, but if you are not able to attend, I would encourage you to take some time at home to read Matthew 2:1-12 and pray with family or friends.

On the Sundays that follow Epiphany, we will read the other stories that have been the focus of Epiphanytide since at least the fifth century. These include Jesus’ baptism, the miracle of the transformation of the water into wine, and last Sunday before Lent, we will read about Jesus’ transfiguration. If you would like to learn more about Epiphany, I highly recommend the book Epiphany: The Season of Glory by Fleming Rutledge.

As we come together to worship in the coming weeks, I hope that you will bring a sense of wonder. As you listen to the scriptures, I hope that you will marvel about how God’s glory is being shown to us through Jesus’ life and ministry.

Deacon Erica