Epiphany means 'awakening', 'realisation' or 'new understanding'
Matthew's gospel (chapter 2) tells the story of the journey of the wise men journeying with gifts to the baby. Their visit and the gifts they bring awaken us to see that this is no ordinary baby: this is a king (gold), a child who is holy (frankincense) and a child who will suffer (myrrh).
The bible passages read in church during Epiphany include stories which point to Jesus being both divine and human.
Candlemas
2nd February marks the end of the Epiphany season, when we read the story of the child Jesus being presented in the temple. Candles are lit to symbolise Christ as the Light of the world.
Find services during Epiphany in our Seasonal Diary.