Tag Archives: definitions

What is Epiphany?

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EpiphanyChart

Epiphany Chart by Father Stephanos, O.S.B. from his blog http://monkallover.blogspot.com/

People who specialize in a belief or practice tend to develop “code language.” The specialized vocabulary of medical professionals and the law are two common examples, but the same is true for construction workers, baseball players and those who cook. Likewise, Christianity has developed specialized words which serve as shortcuts for those who understand their meaning- grace, liturgy, eschatology, justification, Trinity, redemption… words which are helpful, but aren’t a normal part of our everyday vocabulary.

The word epiphany is still used in conversation from time to time, but also serves as one of those fancy church words.

Epiphany:

  • from the Greek phainein to bring to light, to cause to appear, to show; epiphainein to manifest, epiphainea appearance
  • a Christian festival observed on January 6, commemorating the coming of the Magi (aka Wise Men) as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles (persons who are not Jewish)
  • a season of the Christian year from the end of the 12 days of Christmas (January 6) to the beginning of the season of Lent (Ash Wednesday). The season of Epiphany varies in length depending on the date of Easter.
  • an appearance of manifestation, esp.of a divine being
  • a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something;
  • an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking.

A new year has begun. During this year, too, all the paths from east to west, from morning until evening, lead on and on as far as the eye can see, through the deserts of life, with all its changes. But these paths can be turned into the blessed pilgrimage to the absolute, the journey to God. Set out, my heart, take up the journey ! The star shines. You can’t take much with you on the journey. And you will lose much on the way. Let it go. Gold of love, incense of yearning, myrrh of suffering – these you certainly have with you. He shall accept them. And we shall find him.
-Karl Rahner, The Great Church Year

What is Advent?

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People who specialize in a belief or practice tend to develop “code language.” The specialized vocabulary of medical professionals and the law are two common examples, but the same is true for construction workers, baseball players and those who cook. Likewise, Christianity has developed specialized words which serve as shortcuts for those who understand their meaning- grace, liturgy, eschatology, justification, Trinity, redemption… words which are helpful, but aren’t a normal part of our everyday vocabulary.

Advent is one of those fancy church words. What is it? I am thankful for this faithful and clear definition by Susan Briehl author of Come, Lord Jesus: Devotions for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany. – Lisa <><

Advent means “to come.” During this season we prepare for three advents. The first is the coming of Jesus two thousand years ago. We remember the faithful people who waited and watched for God’s promised Messiah: Abraham and Sarah, moses, Miriam, and Aaron, David the king, Isaiah the prophet, Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon, Anna, and many more. They lived by faith, holding fast to God’s promise.

The second advent is the coming of Christ among us now. Every day is an advent because Jesus is Emmanuel, God-always-with-us. Christ comes to us in the waters of baptism, with the bread and wine of his holy meal, through the word of God, and in the community of faith. Christ surprises us by coming at the times, in the places, and through the people we least expect, startling us with grace and bringing us new life.

The third and final advent is yet to come. No one knows the day or the hour. Christ will come at the end of time, gathering God’s beloved people into one embrace and mending with mercy what sin has torn apart. As with the coming of Christmas Day, we cannot make it happen sooner because we are eager, nor can we delay it because we are not ready. However, we can be awake and alert, standing on tiptoe, wide-eyed and watchful, ready to receive him whenever he comes.