Epiphany

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.

Epiphanytide lasts until we come to the Sundays before Lent. Therefore the length of Epiphanytide depends upon the date of Easter in a given year.

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.

Collect for the third Sunday after Epiphany

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect for the fourth Sunday after Epiphany

O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The collect for the 6th Sunday after Epiphany

O God, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; Grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is pure; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth ever, one God, world without end. Amen.