i. to enlighten us on the liturgical importance of Epiphany to Christendom and
ii. to discuss how we can be light to lighten the world in our generation.
Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning "appearance" or "manifestation", and refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The feast of Epiphany (originally observed on January 6 in the Roman Rite), is one of the oldest liturgical celebrations, even before Christmas was established on December 25. We celebrated this yesterday and today, being the first Sunday after, we shall be studying the topic: Shine the Light. In today's Bible passage, Paul enlightened the Ephesian Christians on how God mysteriously revealed Himself to him, which advertently gave him the boldness and power to reveal the same mystery to the Ephesians through the message of salvation. Like Paul, how can we, as Christians shine the light of the gospel we have received to the world around us as we run our Christian race?
1. With references to Matt 2:1-2; Luke 2:8-12, define Epiphany in the context of our study today and the significance to the whole world.
2. Analyse the mystery of the revelation of Christ to Paul according to Acts 9:1-6 and discuss the universal grace of salvation through Christ. Joh 3:17-18;
3. God went as far as to the Eastern part of Judea (Possibly Arabia because Arabia is known in the Bible as the East) to reveal His son Jesus Christ to them relate it to the message of salvation in Africa in the context of Matt 2:1-2 and Matt 28:19-20.
4. How can you lighten the world in our generation? Acts 13:47; 1Tim 4:12; Tit 2:7
Let us conclude our study today with the collect for the feast of Epiphany (January 6) from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP Collect: Church Book and Desk Diary, January 6 2023). "O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifuly grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen".
As Christians, how far have you shown Christ to unbelievers?
Acts 13:47 "For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles that thou should be for salvation unto the ends of the earth".