Welcome to the season of Epiphany – The time that marks the visit of the Wise Men or Magi to the infant Jesus.
What is Epiphany?
Epiphany is the Christian feast on January 6th (or 19th for some Orthodox) marking the manifestation of Jesus to the world, primarily celebrated as the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to the Christ child. Epiphany also commemorates his baptism and the miracle at Cana, signifying his divinity to Gentiles. The word means “revelation,” and in secular use, it refers to a sudden, insightful realisation. Celebrations include Three Kings’ Day festivities, water blessings (Theophany), and removing Christmas decorations, symbolizing the revelation of Christ’s glory. Generally, it occurs on the Twelfth Day – 6th January.
The Three Kings
Although we often think of three kings, their number isn’t actually mentioned in the Gospel accounts. They are described as ‘wise men’; astronomers and astrologers ‘from the East’. Again, we don’t know from where exactly. They had noticed a phenomenon in the night sky – an unusually bright star, which they interpreted as the sign of a newborn king of the Jews. These men felt compelled to travel many miles (possibly on the Silk Roads) to find this child so they could present gifts to honour his status and significance. They brought three special and expensive gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh – all marking the baby’s status, in life and eventually, in death.
Worship rota for January / February
Our services for this period of Christmas, which lasts until Candlemass at the start of February – The rota is shown below, or download here.
Welcome to the season of Advent – A quiet and contemplative time of year, where the nights draw in and we prepare for the joy of Christmas.
What is Advent?
Historically, the season of Advent is similar to the season of Lent, a time of restraint, contemplation, fasting and prayer. Both seasons fit with a time of reduced food production for those of us growing food naturally. Therefore, a good time to ‘slim down’ and conserve energy before the celebrations to come. Advent has four Sundays, leading up to Christmas, where we continue to pray for peace, sing our favourite hymns which look to the coming of the Christ-child and Messiah. It is a very beautiful time in nature, and spiritually.
St Peter's Church, Church Langton 