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.
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever.
Today is the Second Sunday before Lent – (See our last Sunday worship post) It was lovely to see everyone turn out on what was another cold, grey February morning – Signs of Spring coming though and still the cheerful greeting of the snowdrops by the gate.
‘Snowdrops’ by Maxine Dodd
Themes and thoughts
The first reading came from the first book of the Bible – Genesis, Chapter 2: 7, which tells of the creation of man and how he planted a garden in the east
“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being”
“Every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”.
Breathe on me
Following this reading, we sang ‘Breathe on Me, Breath of God’ with words by Edwin Hatch, which tell’s of God’s breath of new life, after repentance and redemption.
‘Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do.
The second reading came from Luke’s Gospel and spoke of the women who formed part of Jesus’s group of supporters – the twelve disciples and these women, who used their own money to fund Jesus’s mission.
Luke, Chapter 8 ‘Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Mag′dalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Jo-an′na, the wife of Chu′za, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
Thoughts and reflections on the importance of these women and women’s ministry – How Jesus included women in his work throughout his life – and how sad that the church has excluded them over time. Women’s contribution is essential and vital – yet time after time, culture after culture, they are demeaned and oppressed.
Prayers
The intercessions were said and we prayed for women and girls – those who live with oppression and are silenced, denied education and even simple fun that other children enjoy. We prayed for our world leaders and the momentous week of talks and meetings in the week to come.
St Peter’s High Altar Window, which shows the Deposition of Christ and the women who tended him, including Mary, his mother and Mary Magdalene
Coffee and warm up afterwards
We followed the service with a good cup of hot coffee and tea – with warming ginger biscuits and a chat and catch up on the weekend’s rugby and football. Thanks to our service team for a warm and thought provoking service.
Lent 2025
Ash Wednesday – 5th March and this year’s Lent course which begins on 11th March were announced and details will be published here shortly.
Donations
Donations can be made to St Peter’s at any time from the secure payment site here. Donations go towards maintenance of the building, day to day service bills and supports our work in our small community. Donations can be made as one-offs or regular payments.
St Peter's Church, Church Langton 