The Right Frequency: Epiphany Defined

The Season of Epiphany, Part 1

What I am about to write makes me feel like a dinosaur. Ah, man…

Nowadays, radios are simple—if we even use them anymore. Spotify and Apple Music have become our radios. Either way, this is my point…

We had this super old Dodge Caravan with an ancient radio in it as kids. The dial to find the radio stations moved this little meter across various frequencies. It was annoying—to say the least.

All you’d hear is static as you twist the dial, catching faint snippets of sound that don’t make sense. You would keep adjusting and getting frustrated until you finally hit the right frequency.

Suddenly, the static disappeared, and a crystal-clear melody filled the car. It was beautiful, rich, and layered as if it had been playing the whole time.

That’s the heart of an epiphany. It’s the moment when the noise fades, and the truth of who Jesus is comes through loud and clear. The season of Epiphany reminds us of those moments when God reveals himself.

Once you’ve heard the melody, it stays with you, transforming how you hear everything else.

Epiphany. It’s a word that might sound faintly familiar, but for most people, it doesn’t carry the same weight as Advent or Christmas. Yet, Epiphany is a treasure trove of meaning, pointing us to one of the most profound truths of the gospel.

The Season

Epiphany begins on January 6, immediately following the twelve days of Christmas. (Yes, the Twelve Days of Christmas is an actual thing—it’s not just a catchy song!) This day, often called “Three Kings’ Day,” marks the visit of the Magi, those mysterious travelers who followed a star and found themselves kneeling before the child King.

But Epiphany isn’t just a single day. In many Christian traditions, it’s a whole season—lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the denomination. The heart of Epiphany is this: Jesus, the light of the world, has been revealed not just to Israel but to the Gentiles and to all nations.

This season calls us to celebrate how Jesus has made himself known to the world and to reflect on how we, as his followers, are called to carry that light into the darkness.

[[ For what it’s worth, the Magi’s story isn’t about extravagant gifts or exotic travel—it’s about recognition. These outsiders saw something in Jesus that even many insiders missed. That’s the power of revelation. ]]

The History

The word epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “manifestation” or “appearance.” It’s a fitting name for a season that focuses on making Jesus' identity clear. Epiphany’s roots go back to the early centuries of the church when it was actually one of the oldest Christian celebrations—predating Christmas as we know it.

In its earliest form, Epiphany was a day to celebrate multiple “appearances” of Jesus: his birth, the visit of the Magi, his baptism in the Jordan, and even his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. Each of these events revealed something about who Jesus was and why he came.

By the fourth century, as the church calendar became more structured, Epiphany narrowed its focus. In the Western church, it centered on the Magi, while in the Eastern church, it emphasized Jesus’ baptism. Both traditions held tightly to the theme of revelation—Jesus being made known to the world in a new way.

[[ For what it’s worth, the fact that Epiphany predates Christmas should tell us something: revelation has always been at the center of the gospel story. Before we even talk about gifts in a manger, we talk about a God who makes himself known. ]]

In the Middle Ages, Epiphany became a season of mission, urging the church to reflect on the global implications of the gospel. It wasn’t just about celebrating Jesus as the King of Israel but about proclaiming him as the King of kings, the Savior of all.

This missionary emphasis has carried through in many traditions, making Epiphany a season that challenges us to think beyond ourselves.

The Theology

At its core, Epiphany is about light breaking into darkness. It’s a season that reminds us that Jesus didn’t come for a select few; he came for everyone. This theme of revelation runs deep in scripture, starting with the prophets.

In Isaiah 60:1-3 (ESV), the prophet writes, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you… And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” This prophecy captures the heart of Epiphany: the light of Christ is a beacon for all people, drawing even the farthest nations to God.

The Magi’s journey in Matthew 2:1-12 is a fulfillment of this promise. These men—outsiders to Israel’s covenant community—were among the first to recognize Jesus for who he truly was. Their story reminds us that God’s plan of redemption has always been global.

And then there’s Jesus himself, who declares in John 8:12 (ESV), “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Epiphany calls us to see this light, to step into it, and to reflect it to others.

[[ For what it’s worth, revelation is always uncomfortable. It forces us to see what we might rather ignore, and it calls us to act. The Magi didn’t just see the star; they followed it. Revelation demands movement. ]]

The Implications

Epiphany isn’t just about looking back at what God has done; it’s about stepping into what he’s still doing. If the season of Epiphany teaches us anything, it’s that revelation demands a response.

Epiphany invites us to reflect on how Jesus has been revealed in our own lives. Think about the moments when God’s light has broken through your darkness—when you’ve seen him clearly, even if just for a moment. Those are your epiphanies, and they’re worth remembering.

It also challenges us to think globally. The gospel isn’t just about “me and Jesus”; it’s about the whole world. How can we, as the body of Christ, help reveal his light to others? Maybe that means praying for the nations, supporting missionaries, or simply stepping outside our comfort zones to engage with someone different from us.

Finally, Epiphany calls us to live as light-bearers. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 (ESV), “You are the light of the world.” That’s not just a nice sentiment; it’s a commissioning. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to embody his light in our words, actions, and relationships.

Hopefully, That Made Sense

Epiphany might not be the most well-known season on the church calendar, but it’s one of the most profound. It reminds us that Jesus isn’t just the King of Israel; he’s the Savior of the world. And it challenges us to reflect his light, both personally and globally.

As we enter this season, let’s celebrate Jesus's revelation and embrace the call to share his light with a world that desperately needs it.

Until next time,
Petey