The season of Epiphany extends through the months of January and February in the church, where we celebrate Christ being revealed to us in our homes, in our daily lives, and in the world around us. We have various ways to celebrate this revelation of Christ to us throughout the season, and we invite you to join us in this exciting time.
Epiphany House Blessings
Our celebration of Epiphany at St. Luke’s begins on Sunday, January 8th, with the story of the Magi, who follow a star to find and worship the Christ Child. As we remember this great and mysterious story, we have a custom of gathering to ask God’s blessing on our homes and on those who live in or visit our homes. On this Sunday, worshipers may take home a piece of blessed chalk and a blessing for them and their families to use to bless their homes for the new year. If you are unable to attend worship in person, you may find the Epiphany Blessing for 2023 here:
Online Epiphany House Blessing 2023
Baptismal Remembrances
On Sunday, January 15th, we celebrate The Baptism of Our Lord, when our services will be full of splashing water that is carried out into the congregation as we remember the amazing story of Christ’s baptism. On this week, we also rejoice that alongside Jesus, we too have been called God’s children in the waters of baptism. Together in worship, we will hold a remembrance of our baptism, and throughout the week, we may all take time to reflect on what it means to be baptized, to have the presence of the Holy Spirit upon us, and to be called Children of God.
Remember Your Baptism
Christ, Our Light
On Sunday, January 22nd, we celebrate The Conversion of St. Paul, and the way in which we are all part of one mystical body in Christ. On this day, we will remember Jesus, the Light of the World, who illuminates our paths and whose light not only changes us, but brightens the whole world. All will receive a mirror to help them keep in mind the ways in which God’s light is reflected through our own lives each day for others to see.
The Presentation of Our Lord / Candlemas
On Sunday, January 29th, we will hear the story of when the Christ Child was presented in the Temple, and a priest named Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'” In honor of this day, each household will receive a blessed candle to take home and remind them of Christ, the Light of the World, which no shadows can overcome!
Salt And Light
On Sunday, February 5th, we will read 5th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, where Christ tells his followers: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. What does it mean to live as Salt and Light in this world?
Christ’s First Miracle at The Wedding at Cana
On Sunday, February 12th, we will hear the story of Jesus’ first miracle, where he turned water into wine at the Wedding at Cana. On this day, we will celebrate the transformation that Jesus brings into our own lives and within our own relationships, and as we remember the joyful wedding feast where Christ was made known, we look with hope to the day when we will all celebrate at the wedding feast of the Lamb.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Sunday, February 19th, is the final Sunday of Epiphany, when we hear the story of Jesus going up onto a mountaintop with his friends, where he meets with Moses and Elijah and is transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun.