The feast of the
Epiphany of Our Lord commemorates no event but presents an idea that assumes
concrete form only through the facts of our Lord’s life. The idea of Epiphany
is that the Christ who was born in Bethlehem is recognized by the world as God.
At Christmas, God appears as man, and at Epiphany, this man appears before the
world as God. That Christ became man needed no proof. But that this man, this
helpless child, is God needed proof. The manifestations of the Trinity, the signs
and wonders performed by this man, and all His miracles have the purpose of
proving to men that Jesus is God. Lately, especially in the Western Church, the
story of the Magi has been associated with this feast day. As Gentiles who were
brought to faith in Jesus Christ, the Magi represent all believers from the
Gentile world. [Commission on Worship of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod]
Collect of the Day
O God, by the
leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in
heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our
Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever. Amen.
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