The Epiphany
“When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage”
Overview
EPIPHANY SUNDAY
As the festive season draws towards its end and a new year begins, we reflect upon the meaning of the Epiphany. Twelve days after the birth of Christ, God revealed Himself to the Gentiles in the form of his only son. The Magi were men of science, not faith, yet God’s love drew them from afar to worship and rejoice. The Epiphany reminds us that Christ is a Saviour who came to Earth for all of us.
FIRST READING
Ephesians 3: 1-12
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles
Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you,
That is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
Which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
GOSPEL
Matthew 2: 1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born…..
Today’s service will be led by Revd Vanessa Elston, a pioneering curate based at St Anne’s and All Saints’ Eco Church in Lambeth.
