Epiphany Resource Guide

Worship Celebrating 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. (adapted from The Worship Sourcebook)

Planning Resources and Services

• Resources from Zeteo Preaching and Worship
• What a Welcome! Luke 2
• Christ is the Light of the World - John 8
• Observed Glory - John 1
• My Light and My Salvation - Psalm 27
• Epiphany Sunday - Isaiah 60, Matthew 2, John 8
• The Visit of the Magi - Matthew 2
• Epiphany: Words of Hope - From Reformed Worship
• Children's Program for Epiphany Sunday: Star of Wonder - From Reformed Worship
• Resources from the Revised Common Lectionary
• A story about Epiphany in missional churches

Song Resources

• Songs for Epiphany
• Resources from Hymnary Lectionary

Visual Arts and More

• Slideshow of visual arts for Epiphany in churches
• Jan Richardson Epiphany images

Children's Books:

• Mouse Tales--Things Hoped For: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by Ruth L. Boling
• Colors I See in Church by Julie Stiegemeyer

Featured Resources:

The Worship Sourcebook

Part F of The Worship Sourcebook Second Edition, pp. 499-524, offers sample prayers and other worship resources for each act of worship celebrating Epiphany. These resources include suggestions for the Call to Worship, Confession and Assurance, Prayers for Illumination, Prayers of the People, Offering Prayers, the Lord's Supper, and Blessing/Benediction.

Reformed Worship magazine

Browse all Epiphany resources from our ministry partner, Reformed Worship magazine.

Center for Excellence in Preaching

Browse resources related to the Epiphany from our ministry partner, Center for Excellence in Preaching.