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Experiencing Epiphany
2026-1-6 | Kate Cogswell
For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2b (NKJV)
Today, January 6, is when Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany, concluding the Christmas season. The day of Epiphany doesn’t need to be the end of our celebration of the incarnation though.
The Greek word meaning “to reveal” is the origin of “epiphany” and in the Western church, Epiphany celebrates when the Magi visit baby Jesus, recorded in Matthew 2:1-12. Their visit is generally viewed as revealing that Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, came also for the salvation of Gentiles. Now, that is worth continuing to celebrate!
While the first definition of epiphany in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is about the festival celebrated in the church on January 6, epiphany is also defined as:
- a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something
- an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking
- an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
This is where we get our phrase “I had an epiphany” when something suddenly becomes clear to us, when we suddenly realize something.
Just as God revealed Himself through the incarnation of His son, He continues to reveal Himself to us today. God promises when we seek Him we will find Him when we seek Him with all of our heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) This promise and God’s faithful presence allow us to experience “epiphanies” of Him throughout the year.
As we celebrate Epiphany today, I encourage you to read the familiar story of the Magi’s visit in Matthew 2:1-12.
What might God want to reveal to you?
Is there a personal “epiphany“ He wants you to see?
How might you turn it into prayer?
In addition, I invite you to join me in 2026 and to be intentional to watch for and notice “epiphany experiences”. Times where God breaks through and reveals Himself. Places where He shines His light into darkness. Spaces where you experience Him in the overlap of the present age and the age to come.
I invite you to ask the following questions with me throughout the year:
Where do I see the Holy Spirit at work? Where do I see God?
In my life?
In the life of others?
In the life of The Grove Covenant Church?
While it is true that the “season of Christmas” ends today, the gifts of Christmas and Christ coming are available always. I look forward to hearing what He reveals as we continue to seek Him together in 2026.