This Week
Livestream
Festival of the Epiphany
6:30 PM
Baptism of Our Lord
8:00 AM
Christ the Savior is Born for All Nations
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Christ the Savior is Born: Love's pure light beams from thy holy face
The Twelve Days of Christmas are the days from Christmas Day until January 5. Then on January 6 we begin a new season. What is special about January 6? It is the day when the Christian Church celebrates the Festival of the Epiphany.
Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “reveal.” When the Savior was born, he was first revealed as love’s pure light to Israelites: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds. Today we see the Lord miraculously guiding foreigners across countless miles, so the Savior’s holy face could be revealed to them as well.
The Festival of Epiphany is sometimes known as Christmas for the Gentiles. We Gentiles (non-Jews) rejoice in the good news that this Jewish baby is a gift for all people. He is the Christ, the Savior of the world.
Identity Revealed: Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One
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“Christ” is not the family name of Jesus. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.”
Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. When the Lord had someone anointed, he also poured his Spirit over them. It was the fulfillment of promises made over centuries.
