As we continue to bask in the light of the great Feast of the Epiphany, we are reminded that the celebration of Christ’s manifestation is far from over. The Epiphany of the Lord, which we joyfully celebrated earlier this month, once had its own “Octave”—a full eight-day period of reflection and festivity. This season was not only about the visit of the Magi but also about two other key moments where Christ revealed Himself to the world: the Baptism of the Lord and the Wedding at Cana.
The Epiphany, then, is a celebration of God made manifest, not just in revelation to the wise men, but in the waters of baptism and at the wedding feast of Cana. These events are intricately linked in the theme of divine revelation—God showing Himself to us in different ways, in different places, and for different purposes.
The closing hymn on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 11, Songs of Thankfulness and Praise, beautifully encapsulates this truth. As we sing these words, we remember and celebrate these three pivotal moments: the visit of the Magi, Christ’s baptism, and His first miracle at Cana. Though we sang this hymn last week, we repeat it today as a powerful reminder of the continual manifestation of Christ among us and a chance to offer our praise for His presence on earth