We have already noted that Epiphany is officially known as the “Gentiles’ Christmas” because the season emphasizes how the Christ, who was born of the Jews, isn’t only the Savior for the Jewish race. Since epiphany means “shining forth,” the scriptural connection is that God revealed His Christ as the saving “Light of the world” (John 8:12) wallowing in the darkness of sin. Perhaps a most familiar event of Epiphany to demonstrate that truth is the Wise Men who came to worship Christ as their newborn King.
Although Epiphany has an annual fixed date (January 6), Easter has a moveable date—that’s what makes the Epiphany season longer or shorter; it depends upon the date of Easter. (As we come closer to Easter, we will explain how the actual Sunday of Easter is determined).
The season of Epiphany, then, serves as a bridge between Christmas and Lent. The truth that predominantly stands out is that Jesus, who came into this world in the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5ff), is still the all-powerful true God and at times let His glory shine as such.
On this First Sunday after the Epiphany, also called by the early church the “Second Epiphany,” we hear of Jesus’ baptism and will explain the significance of it.