Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
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The Epiphany Gospels MICHAEL ROGNESS
Word & World Volume 24, Number 1 Winter 2004 Texts in Context “You are my Son, the Beloved”: The Epiphany Gospels MICHAEL ROGNESS he Epiphany season is placed awkwardly between the pillars of Christmas and Lent, generally a somewhat down time in pastoral activity. Among early Greek Christians, however, this season focused on Jesus’ baptism as the manifestation of his true person and mission. As a church festival it ranked right up there with Easter and Pentecost. The Western or Latin church shifted the emphasis of Epiphany to Jesus’ manifestation to the Gentiles, marked by the visit of the foreign magi from the East, those strange astrologers who saw the star (or conjunction of planets) announcing the birth of a king among the Hebrews. Therefore Matt 2:1–12 launches the Epiph- any story. This puzzles listeners in the pews, because our image of the wise men has been formed by Sunday School Christmas tableaus, with three boys standing to one side of the manger draped in their parents’ bathrobes and holding aluminum- foil-wrapped boxes as presents for the Bethlehem child. By December 26 we’re done with the wise men, but here they come again, twelve days later, singing “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” It’s an odd chronology, though probably not a problem for most Protestant churches, since few of us will actually worship on January 6 itself! FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD): LUKE 3:15–17, 21–22 The Epiphany theme begins more logically with the baptism of Jesus. This year’s sequence will strike the preacher as odd, however, since the Gospel lessons of As the season of Epiphany progresses, the appointed Gospel readings make clearer and clearer the meaning of the voice at Jesus’ baptism: “You are my Son, the Beloved.” The preacher’s task is to present this message as fully as possible. -
Epiphany in Australia Epiphany Is a Christian Observance in Countries Such As Australia on January 6 Each Year
Epiphany in Australia Epiphany is a Christian observance in countries such as Australia on January 6 each year. It commemorates the three wise men’s (or kings’) visit to Jesus after his birth, as told in the Christian bible. This feast is also known as the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Various artwork relating to Epiphany often show the three wise men (or kings). ©iStockphoto.com/kim258 What Do People Do? Many churches, particularly Catholic churches, in Australia have special Epiphany services on or around January 6 each year. Many Epiphany church services focus on the three wise men’s (or kings’) visit to Jesus after his birth. However, many churches also focus on the theme of Jesus’ baptism, in which Jesus’ public life begins with his baptism by John the Baptist. Some churches may have social gatherings, including morning teas, after an Epiphany church service. Background Epiphany commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. Symbols Various paintings, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles. -
A Collection of Texts Celebrating Joss Whedon and His Works Krista Silva University of Puget Sound, [email protected]
Student Research and Creative Works Book Collecting Contest Essays University of Puget Sound Year 2015 The Wonderful World of Whedon: A Collection of Texts Celebrating Joss Whedon and His Works Krista Silva University of Puget Sound, [email protected] This paper is posted at Sound Ideas. http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/book collecting essays/6 Krista Silva The Wonderful World of Whedon: A Collection of Texts Celebrating Joss Whedon and His Works I am an inhabitant of the Whedonverse. When I say this, I don’t just mean that I am a fan of Joss Whedon. I am sincere. I live and breathe his works, the ever-expanding universe— sometimes funny, sometimes scary, and often heartbreaking—that he has created. A multi- talented writer, director and creator, Joss is responsible for television series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Firefly , Angel , and Dollhouse . In 2012 he collaborated with Drew Goddard, writer for Buffy and Angel , to bring us the satirical horror film The Cabin in the Woods . Most recently he has been integrated into the Marvel cinematic universe as the director of The Avengers franchise, as well as earning a creative credit for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. My love for Joss Whedon began in 1998. I was only eleven years old, and through an incredible moment of happenstance, and a bit of boredom, I turned the television channel to the WB and encountered my first episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer . I was instantly smitten with Buffy Summers. She defied the rules and regulations of my conservative southern upbringing. -
Epiphany and Lent Resources
Epiphany and Lent Resources This document is also available on our website. You can find it HERE. The advantage to downloading this document from the website rather than just using the print version is that the links in it are clickable so you don’t have to type in these long addresses. Of course, you can also just search for them in Google by entering several related words and then click on the link there. You can find the lessons for each Sunday here: http://www.lectionarypage.net/CalndrsIndexes/Calendar2017.html Our three Episcopal publishers have an assortment of seasonal resources; search for Epiphany or Lent Forward Movement: https://www.forwardmovement.org Church Publishing: https://www.churchpublishing.org LeaderResources: https://www.leaderresources.org Because LeaderResources is locally owned, Rhode Island churches can choose their discount by entering EDRI100 in the coupon code box for a 100% discount, EDRI75 for a 75% discount, EDRI50 or EDRI25. The Episcopal Church Foundation has articles and links to resources here: http://www.ecfvp.org Anglicans Online has resources listed here: http://anglicansonline.org/resources/seasonal.html Our United Methodist colleagues have a list of their resources here: http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources Our Lutheran colleagues have resources that you will be able to find here: https://www.elca.org/en/Resources The Anglican Church of Canada has resources here: http://www.anglican.ca The Society of St. John the Evangelist (Cowley Brothers), a monastic community in Cambridge, MA, usually have excellent resources. You can sign up to get notice of when resources are posted or just find them here: http://ssje.org/ssje/faith-formation-offerings/ The Episcopal Church has free Sunday School lesson plans for year round. -
Second Sunday of Christmastide Epiphany
SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMASTIDE *Invocation Prayer EPIPHANY SUNDAY Song of Praise #233 “We Three Kings” Kings of Orient JANUARY 3, 2021 WE HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD WE GATHER IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD Old Testament Reading Isaiah 60:1-6 Prelude New Testament Reading Ephesians 3:1-12 Welcome, Announcements & Greeting Time Brice Smith *Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12 Opening #229 “The First Noel” CANTIQUE DE NOËL Responsorial #236 “As with Gladness Men of Old” DIX *Call to Worship rd The feast day of your birth resembles you, Lord, because it Children’s Message (3 Grade and younger to Junior Church) brings joy to all humanity. Invitation to Giving our Tithes, Gifts, and Offerings & Prayer Old people and infants alike enjoy your day. Your day is celebrated from generation to generation. Message “The Revelation of God: A Star, A Word, A Child” Kings and emperors may pass away, and the festivals to The Reverend Doctor Ivan E. Greuter, Senior Minister commemorate them soon lapse. But your festival will be remembered till the end of time. THE SERVICE OF THE TABLE OF THE LORD Your day is a means and a pledge of peace. Invitation to the Lord’s Table – We practice open communion. All At your birth, heaven and earth were reconciled; persons who profess faith in Jesus Christ are invited to partake of Since you came from heaven to earth on that day you forgave this memorial meal. You do not need to be a member of this church our sins and wiped away our guilt. -
Bulletin Christmastide and Epiphany
CHRISTMASTIDE AND EPIPHANY SECOND SUNDAY after CHRISTMAS Liturgy of the word Ecclesiasticus 24:1-2, 8-12. From eternity, in the beginning, God created wisdom Psalm 147 The Word was made flesh and lived among us. Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 . Before the world was made, God chose us in Christ. GOSPEL: JOHN 1:1-18 The Word was made flesh and lived among us. Thought for the day I have just heard a BBC television announcer asking what you call this time of the year. The answer is fairly obvious: it is Christmastide – the twelve days of Christmas leading us the Epiphany. In many ways it is a quiet time. The hectic rush of getting ready for and celebrating Christmas is over. This year has been a quiet and unusual celebration with families unable to meet together. But these days of Christmastide provide us with the opportunity to consider the meaning of the Christmas story as we prepare to celebrate the Epiphany when God showed forth his salvation to the whole world. The readings of today’s Mass help us to do just that. The first reading, the Prologue to John’s Gospel is a profound meditation on God coming into our world as a human being. Christmas is not just about a baby being born in Bethlehem; it about the God who created everything taking flesh and living among us. The first words of the Prologue spell out magnificently what it means for us: In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God and the Word was God. -
The Liturgical Year
The Liturgical Year The Liturgical Year The liturgical church year consists of an organization of Scripture readings and liturgical emphases that tell the story of Godʼs saving work in Jesus Christ in a recurring pattern. Within protestantism, the liturgical year has been organized in more than one way. At Christ Church, the liturgical year is divided into 7 distinct seasons. They are: The Season of Advent The Season of Christmas (sometimes called Christmastide) The Season of Epiphany The Season of Lent The Season of Easter (sometimes called Eastertide) The Season of Pentecost The Season of Dominiontide Liturgical Colors Liturgical colors are used in paraments (draped cloths) hung over the altar and lecterns and in other ways (ministerial/choir stoles, etc.) to call attention to each particular season and its emphasis. The variety of liturgical colors in the church arose from the mystical meaning attached to them in antiquity. Thus white, the symbol of light, typifies innocence and purity, joy and glory; red, the symbol of fire and blood, indicates the flames of the Holy Spirit and the blood of martyrs; green, the hue of plants and trees, bespeaks the hope of life eternal, as well as growth and vitality; violet (or purple), the gloomy cast of the mortified, denotes affliction, melancholy and penitence; while black, the universal emblem of mourning, signifies the sorrow of death and the somberness of the tomb. Originally, these were the only colors used in the church. Now, however, many churches (including our own) sometimes use blue and gold, as well as other colors. Blue is used in Advent to symbolize the peace and joy that the birth of the long-awaited Messiah brings; gold is sometimes used at Easter and on Christ the King Sunday to signify the royalty of the risen King of kings. -
EPIPHANY Inclusive Employer Guide
EPIPHANY Inclusive Employer Guide EQUITY · DIVERSITY · INCLUSION What is Epiphany? Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th, 12 days after Christmas in the Gregorian calendar, marking the end of the Christmas holiday. What does Epiphany mean, and what does the day commemorate? Epiphany, meaning “manifestation” or “showing forth”, has been celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It is also called Theophany or “manifestation of God”, especially by Eastern Christians.The holiday commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the Three Kings or the Magi visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany, while the Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. How is Epiphany observed? Epiphany is celebrated in various ways around the world. In some European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, children dress as the three kings and visit houses. In France Le Jour des Rois (the Day of Kings), sometimes called the Fête des Rois, is celebrated with parties for children and adults. In Spain, the holiday is known as Kings’ Day or the Día de Los Reyes, and is celebrated just like a second Christmas, with feasting and the giving of presents. In Latin America Día de los Reyes Magos is the celebration of Epiphany, during which the three wise men bring gifts for children. -
January 6, 2019
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD | JANUARY 6, 2019 CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PAUL NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL 239 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 651.228.1766 | www.cathedralsaintpaul.org Rev. John L. Ubel, Rector Rev. Mark Pavlak (Sundays) Deacons Phil Stewart, Ron Schmitz & Nao Kao Yang ARCHDIOCESE OF SAINT PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop Most Rev. Andrew H. Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop PHOTOGRAPHY — The Cathedral welcomes all visitors to Mass today. We encourage those who wish to take photos of this sacred space to do so freely before and after Mass. Once the opening announcement is made, please refrain from taking photos and videos until Mass has concluded. Thank you. OPENING HYMN THE FIRST NOWELL 408 The First Nowell INTROIT (8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.) Ecce advenit Gregorian Missal, Mode II Ecce advénit dominátor Dóminus: et regnum in manu eius, et potéstas, et impérium. Ps. Deus, iudícium tuum regi da: et iustítiam tuam fílio regis. Behold, the Sovereign Lord is coming; kingship, government and power are in his hands. Endow the King with your judgment, O God, and the King’s ℣. son with your righteousness. Cf. Mal 3:1; 1 Chron 29:12; Ps 72:1, 10, 11 GREETING Roman Missal Celebrant: X In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ℟. Amen. Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (or similar greeting) ℟. And with your spirit. -
Resources for the Home During the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Season
Resources for the home during the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Season The church year has a rhythm of seasons. Advent marks the beginning of this cycle and is a time of preparation. It is a time we remember all the ways that God has come to us and will come to us. It's a time of waiting, expectancy, and contemplation. On December 25th we celebrate the great feast of Jesus' birth. May your family find joy and hope as you anticipate the coming of our Savior. This year, more than ever, we are spending more time at home with our families. Make a commitment this year to have family devotions and retell the story of Jesus birth. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Advent On the first Sunday of Advent (November 29th this year), set up an Advent wreath in a place where your family gathers. Many people make it the center piece for their table. Light the wreath each night at dinner or every Sunday (One candle for each week of Advent). Read Advent prayers and sing an Advent hymn. See the dinner prayers included in this packet. More ideas for prayers, readings, activities, and songs can be found on the internet or in Christian bookstores. Also enjoy opening the Advent Calendar each morning! If you have a crèche, put it in a place that is accessible to children. Try putting the shepherds, Mary and Joseph and Wise men in different places around the house. Have them move closer each day as if they are getting closer to Bethlehem. Some people like to wait until Christmas morning to put their baby Jesus in the manger. -
Order of Service
St John’s College Chapel Epiphany Carol Service Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 January 2018 6.00 pm Please turn the page quietly EPIPHANY Epiphany celebrates the appearance of God’s glory in the world through the birth of Jesus, our Emmanuel (‘God with us’), and the revelation of the incarnation to the Gentiles, and indeed the whole of creation. It has been marked since the 3rd Century with a Feast Day on the 6th of January and celebrated in both East and West in a rich variety of ways. In the Western Church, the emphasis has been on the nativity itself and the acknowledgement of Christ’s sovereignty over all through the visit of the Magi bringing their gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh. The revelation of his true nature is echoed in the words of the prophet Simeon, the Nunc Dimittis, at the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (February 2nd) that marks the end of the season of Epiphany. The Greek word epiphany (έπιφάνεια) means literally ‘appearance’ and refers above all to the ‘manifestation’ of a god. It is the moment and the means by which we see that Jesus is so much more than a good human being, a wise teacher and a moral example but in fact God made man, the Word become flesh. It is in this sense that Simeon declares him to be ‘salvation’ and ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles’ and that later Jesus calls himself ‘the Light of the World,’ and so the symbolism of light pervades both this season and our service. -
“It's More Than a Liturgical Calendar: It's a Way of Life”
“It’s More than a Liturgical Calendar: It’s a Way of Life” Reverend Mary Altalo INTRODUCTION Our entire world has one glorious model of liturgical cycles—the seasons. Cycles of birth, life and death abound as living examples of the patterns, complexities, ever-changing state and glories of life—this life, in “flesh”, here and now. Nature itself is the one common experience of all humankind-- the one uniting pattern for all of the religions and sects, of all time; and if we destroy the seasonal nature of our planet, do we not destroy the immanent pattern for religion as well? The cycles are not confined to this earth existence alone, as we participate in the “seasonality” of the entire universe, in a constant cycle of expansion and contraction, a state of constant change, evolving into complexity, in a constant state of “becoming”. And it is this light that I write this paper, with the goal of representing our liturgical cycles in context: the context of our ever constant journey towards union with the Divine Consciousness and aiding humanity in doing the same. Jesus was the role model for this and his ultimate gift to humanity was teaching us that attaining Divine consciousness through the fusion of the transcendent nature of God and the immanent qualities of the life –force contained in the body was possible. The body/mind-soul-spirit “combo” was now sufficiently evolved to aid us in the process of transformation. In fact he commanded us to do this and to follow his lead. But somewhere along the line, some of the followers lost sight of the goal, or rather began to doubt that this transformation was possible and thus the attention was diverted from teaching HOW to attain mystical union as Jesus taught and demonstrated, to teaching ABOUT Jesus.