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An index of resources and tips for planning worship for Epiphany.
Worship planners and leaders often feel a "letdown" after the season of Advent and Christmas. But in terms of its deeper meaning in the church year, the season of Epiphany has huge importance and drama. During Epiphany, we celebrate that the one born in Bethlehem is a light to all nations (represented by the magi), and we explore the ministry of Jesus between the manger and the cross.
Both of these themes prepare us to follow Christ to the cross during Lent, a season that begins with Ash Wednesday, which usually falls in February.
Our word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “manifestation or appearance,” and in church history this word has become closely associated with the revelation of Christ in connection with the visit of the Magi.
In the traditional celebration of the Christian year, the Sundays after Epiphany do not constitute a special season in the same way as do Advent and Lent. However, some congregations do celebrate this period as “Epiphany season,” focusing on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ. These weeks can be a time to focus on Jesus’ ministry so that, from Christmas onward, worshipers grow in awareness of the significance of Jesus’ entire life.
From The Worship Sourcebook, Second Edition, p. 499–500
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