Epiphany is a day and season of light, just as the word “epiphany” denotes. Every year on the feast day, we hear the
words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, “Arise, shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon
you” (Is. 60:1).
Epiphany enlightens us as it proclaims great Scriptural truths. The time of celebration emphatically declares that Jesus, who
was born at Bethlehem, is true God made man. It announces that God has appeared among us as the Promised One to be the
Savior of all people of every nation, Gentiles as well as Jews. At Christmas we emphasize that God became man. Epiphany puts the
spotlight on the truth that this human being born in Bethlehem is truly God; He is the God-man.
Jesus is the true light who enlightens every person. As the Nicene Creed clearly states, Jesus is “God of God, Light of Light, very
God of very God.” Jesus Himself announced: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life” (John 8:12). It is with compelling reason that Epiphany is often spoken of as the Festival of Lights.
January 1, 2007 / The Magazine / By The LCMS Lutheran Witness