How to Incorporate Epiphany in Your Church
By Bobby Gilles
You Know About Christian Year Seasons Like Advent and
Lent, but What About Epiphany?
The Christian Year is a tool
for preaching the gospel to yourself, your family, friends, coworkers,
neighbors and church congregation.
And Epiphany is
a “manifestation” or “appearance” to celebrate.
The Christian church observes a day of Epiphany to commemorate
the revelation of the Christ-child in connection with the visit of the Magi
(wise men, “three kings.”)
Epiphany traditionally occurs
on January 6 (at the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas).
In practice, many churches
celebrate Epiphany on the Sunday closest to this date rather than hold a
special service on another day of the week.
What About Churches That Treat
Epiphany as a Whole Season in the Christian Liturgical Calendar?
Nothing wrong with that.
Whether you have an Epiphany “season”
or a single service, this is a time when church pastors and worship planners
highlight the revelation of Jesus’ person and his mission during his first
Advent.
Epiphany worship liturgies
teach and celebrate:
·
the parables of Jesus
·
the sermons and other illustrations of Jesus
·
the miracles of Jesus
·
the prophecies of Jesus
Chronologically, it makes sense to celebrate Epiphany after
Christmas and prior to Lent, the period of lament, reflection and confession
leading to our need for a sacrifice, and Christ’s perfect satisfaction of that
need.
What Kinds of Songs Work Well for
Epiphany?
You can learn about it, read the
text and hear their song right here on My Song In The Night.
Kristen and I also recommend “Savior King” from our church Sojourn,
written by our friends Joel Gerdis, Dave Moisan and Eddy Morris, adapted from “Hymn 10″ by Isaac Watts.
This comes from Sojourn
Music’s album Over The Grave: The Hymns of Isaac Watts, Volume One.
Songwriters, use Epiphany as an opportunity to broaden the
thematic range of your worship songs and modern hymns.
Many contemporary praise and
worship songwriters dwell on themes such as Common Grace, God’s sovereignty
over creation and the singer’s love for Jesus.
But fewer writers compose
songs that celebrate or reveal Jesus as Messiah.
You can do so by using Old
Testament prophecies in your songs (as in “Savior King”) or by writing ballads
on the life and earthly ministry of Christ.
The Gospels provide so much
material—explore!
What Bible Verses Work Well in
Epiphany Worship Service Liturgical Readings and Home Devotionals?
The Worship Sourcebook recommends
these key passages:
·
Psalm 72
·
Isaiah
49:5-7 and Isaiah 60
And The
Worship Sourcebook also has many sample prayers and readings
for Epiphany, from the Call To Worship through Communion readings
and the Benediction.
Bobby Gilles has written several of Sojourn Music’s popular
worship songs for albums like The Water And The Blood, Over The Grave and
Before The Throne. He is content manager for sojournmusic.com and has mentored
songwriters and led many Sojourn songwriting workshops as part of Pastor Mike
Cosper’s worship ministry. Bobby is also Sojourn Church Director Of
Communications, and works with Lead Pastor Daniel Montgomery to communicate
Sojourn’s mission and vision. He co-wrote the children’s book Our Home Is Like
A Little Church, published by Christian Focus. As a former radio disc jockey
and music director, he was twice named a National Top 10 Finalist for Gospel
Music DJ of the Year.
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