Epiphanytide: A Season of Light, Revelation, and Wonder

“Arise, shine, for your light has come…” – Isaiah 60:1

Even though we find ourselves in the heart of winter, the story of Jesus’ life continues to unfold, offering us hope, light, and anticipation. The twelve days of Christmas may have come to a close, but Epiphanytide is not the end; it’s a continuation. A new chapter in the celebration of Christ’s birth, and a season filled with wonder.

While Christmas reveals God’s love through the birth of Jesus, Epiphanytide carries forward that revelation. It invites us to marvel at how God makes Himself known to us through His Son. From the visit of the Magi to the miracle at Cana, each moment in this season becomes an invitation to reflect on God’s presence and His unfolding plan of salvation.

What Is Epiphanytide?

The word Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning manifestation or appearance. An epiphany reveals something’s true nature in a sudden and powerful way. And in this season, we pause to reflect on the manifestation of Christ’s divinity, the moments when Jesus is made known to the world as King, Savior, and the Light.

During this season, the Church highlights:

• The Visit of the Magi

  God is revealed to the Gentiles through the Wise Men, who followed the star to worship the Christ Child.

• The Baptism of Jesus

  The Holy Trinity is revealed as the Father speaks, the Spirit descends, and the Son is named Beloved.

• The Wedding at Cana

  Jesus performs His first public miracle, revealing His divine glory.

• The Presentation in the Temple

  Simeon and Anna proclaim Jesus as the promised Messiah.

  
  

Each of these moments gives us a glimpse of who Jesus is and how God’s love is made visible, not just in mystery, but in touchable, knowable ways.

A Time to Rest and Reflect

While the world rushes to get back to normal, Epiphanytide offers us a different rhythm, a slower pace, and space to meditate on these revelations. The Church calls us not to move on too quickly, but to linger in wonder. This sacred pause between the joy of Christmas and the preparation of Lent is a gift.

Why Are There Two Ordinary Times?

The season of Epiphany is also known as Ordinary Time. Many wonder why the Church calendar includes two seasons called Ordinary Time. These seasons aren’t “ordinary” in the sense of being plain or unremarkable. The name comes from ordinal, meaning “ordered”—a way of numbering the weeks between major feasts.

Here’s how they work:

First Ordinary Time (Epiphanytide)

• Comes between Christmas and Lent

• Focuses on the early ministry of Jesus: His baptism, the calling of the disciples, and His first miracles

  
  

Second Ordinary Time

• Begins after Pentecost and continues until Advent

• Emphasizes Jesus’ teachings, parables, and the life of the Church

  
  

Both seasons call us to grow in discipleship, to listen, and to live into our faith, not only in the high feasts but in the quieter, daily rhythm of life.

Epiphanytide: Ordinary Time with a Purpose

What sets Epiphanytide apart is its particular focus on how Christ is revealed:

• Revelation: God discloses Himself through Jesus, showing us His heart.

• Light: Christ shines as the Light of the World, driving out darkness.

• Reflection: A quiet season to reflect, listen, and receive before the penitential journey of Lent begins.

  
  

Rather than moving on from Christmas joy, Epiphanytide invites us to carry it with us, to consider how Christ’s presence transforms even the ordinary.

A Season of Wonder and Anticipation

Epiphanytide is rich with meaning. It serves as a beautiful bridge between Christmas and Lent, a time to notice, to listen, to be present to the ways Christ still makes Himself known.

It’s a season to slow down. To gather around and read stories of Jesus and how he has been revealed to us. To bless our homes. To reflect on the presence of God in our midst.

As we walk through these weeks together, I’ll be sharing history, recipes, reflections, and traditions to help you savor the season at home.

Let’s Celebrate Together

How will you mark Epiphanytide in your home?

Will you chalk your door, go for a swim, or share a King Cake with family?

Let’s discover the beauty of this season together, one week at a time.