Epiphany - 2026
Sermon for Epiphany — 2026
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
The Rev. Andrew McLarty
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..."
Welcome to the Feast of the Epiphany, where we celebrate the revelation of the Light of Christ made known to the world, not just to a few, but to all.
The word epiphany itself comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning "appearance or manifestation." On this day, the Church proclaims that the light born quietly at Christmas is now seen, recognized, and revealed.
In Matthew’s Gospel, that revelation takes the form of a star. The Magi do not receive angels or prophecies. They see light in the darkness of the night sky and realize it means something. The star becomes a sign that God’s action in Israel has cosmic significance—that what is happening in Bethlehem is not hidden, local, or private, but meant for the whole world. Light is how God draws close those who are far off.
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you… Nations shall come to your light” proclaims Isaiah. God’s glory is not meant to be hoarded; it is meant to shine.
In the Church’s calendar, Epiphany stands at a turning point. Christmas tells us that the light has entered the world. Epiphany tells us that the world can see it. What was born in the quiet of a stable is now bright enough to guide travelers across deserts and borders.
That is why Epiphany has long been associated with candles, stars, and light. We light candles not just to remember what God once did, but to proclaim what God is still doing—illuminating dark places, revealing truth, and drawing people toward Christ.
Epiphany reminds us that we are not meant only to receive that light, but to reflect it. Having seen Christ revealed, the Church is sent into the world to shine with his mercy, justice, and love.
Epiphany is the feast where the light stops being private and becomes public.
Where Christ is no longer hidden—but shown.
So let this "little light" not be "hidden under a bushel," but "let it shine, let it shine, let it shine..."
Amen.
