Let the light shine throughout Epiphany
by Norene Morrow
Epiphany — Among its various definitions, the Merriam Webster dictionary describes “epiphany” as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. It also refers to the word as meaning an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure.
As is the custom, we Anglicans mark the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. And, when it falls on a Sunday, many congregations are likely to sing the popular hymn, "We Three Kings." The Reverend John Henry Hopkins Jr. wrote it for a Christmas pageant at the General Theological Seminary in Vermont in 1857. He was an Episcopal priest who taught music there at that time. The hymn became so popular with family and friends that it was published in 1863, and then was reprinted in 1865 with illustrations that pictured only three wise men on camels. As a result, Hopkins carved his niche in history with this hymn, and unwittingly, all the theological implications that came with it.
In reality, Matthew is the only book that speaks of wise men, three gifts, and a star in the east. No country of origin is mentioned and we have assumed that there are three visitors because there are three gifts. These men have been described as wise men, magi, astrologers, priests, and most popularly, kings; probably due to linkages with the Old Testament prophesies that have the Messiah being worshipped by kings in Isaiah 60:3, Psalm 72:10, and Psalm 68:29. Also, because the kings' visit is often included in Christmas pageants, we have come to believe that they arrived immediately after Christ's birth. Biblical scholars say that this would have likely occurred up to two years later. At any rate, "We Three Kings" is well-loved and here to stay.
The Feast of the Epiphany is just one day, but it in fact marks the beginning of a whole season. It is a season of light, when Jesus Christ is shown to be the light of the world. During Epiphany, God is made manifest through the flesh and blood presence of Jesus on earth. It is also a time when we follow the disciples in scripture who make "illuminating" discoveries as they learn to follow Jesus. In our lectionary cycle for this year we will start with the baptism of Jesus and end with The Feast of the Transfiguration. Along the way, we will hear stories such as the miracle at the wedding in Cana, Jesus teaching in Galilee, and the disciples casting their nets for fish but learning that they are to be fishers of people.
With this in mind, I always try to carry the light image throughout the season by including it with at least one hymn each week. Once one starts looking for this light image, one realizes what a wealth of music is available. It may also cause one to read the words with a whole new understanding. If this is an idea that appeals to music leaders I recommend some of my favourites to you. In Common Praise they are: Sing of God Made Manifest, Here in This Place, Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness, God Whose Almighty Word and Shine Jesus Shine. If you are fortunate to have other hymnbooks, I would also recommend Arise Your Light is Come and Many Are the Light Beams from Songs for a Gospel People and Living in the Light, found in Spirit Anew, and written by Summerland composer Linnea Good.
If you are not a music director, but one who sits in the pews, that should not stop you from looking for hymns of light. Hymn texts are often wonderful sources for prayer and meditation, and yet another way to let the light shine throughout Epiphany!
