Epiphanytide

We are now entering the liturgical season of Epiphany, beginning on January 6.

During this time we commemorate Christ’s manifestation of Himself to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi. We also remember His manifestation in His baptism and through His miracles, such as turning water into wine at Cana.

The collect for the Feast of the Epiphany

O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead: through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

An interesting note on this collect concerns the Latin version from which it was translated. In the 1500’s,Thomas Cranmer translated most of the collect into English almost word for word as it appeared in Latin in the Roman Catholic liturgy. However, he altered the ending. Instead of referring to “the fruition of thy glorious Godhead,” the Latin collect asks “that we who know thee now by faith may be led to contemplate the sight of thy glorious Majesty.” This is less obscurely theological than Cranmer’s modification, it connects us directly with the Wise Men, and it contrasts faith and sight. Those acquainted with the well-known Epiphany hymn, “As With Gladness Men of Old” will be able to see the similarities between the Latin prayer and the verses of that song. Perhaps Dix, the author of the words to that hymn, was familiar with the Latin collect.

Collect for the first Sunday after Epiphany

O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.