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What is the time after the Epiphany? The manifestation of Christ to the peoples of the earth. Second century followers of Jesus chose this season to celebrate the various manifestations, or “epiphanies,” of Jesus’ humanity and divinity. These showings included his birth, the coming of the Magi, his baptism, the Wedding at Cana where he miraculously changed water into wine, his appearances, and his transfiguration. We continue to celebrate on Sundays leading up to Ash Wednesday. In the waters of the Jordan River, Jesus is revealed as the beloved. Through this great epiphany, Jesus becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light. At the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope. We are united with all the baptized in the one body of Christ, anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and joined in God’s mission for the life of the world. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim the good news of God’s love to all. Shine!

The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”), traditionally on January 6, concludes the twelve-day Christmas season. It is a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed in love and called to witness to that love, invited to be beacons of God’s light.

Epiphany Day, January 6 (or another day during the season of Epiphany) offers an occasion for gathering with family, friends, and neighbors for a blessing of the home or dwelling with readings, prayer, and chalking above the entrance to the home for the year. As the magi visited the dwelling of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and brought gifts and blessings, we bless homes in the name of Christ. 

Would you like to bless your home? Access the 2026 Epiphany Blessing liturgy here.

“Let your grace be with us this whole year, and your peace upon all who enter here.”

What is the Feast of the Epiphany? The manifestation of Christ to the peoples of the earth. Second century followers of Jesus chose this season to celebrate the various manifestations, or “epiphanies,” of Jesus’  humanity and divinity. These showings included his birth, the coming of the Magi, his baptism, and the Wedding at Cana where he miraculously changed water into wine. The day was called “The Feast of Lights.” Celebration of the Son of God was added to the celebration of the sun. Baptisms were celebrated, and a season of preparation was instituted. By the fourth century, Jesus’ birth was celebrated on December 25 in both eastern and western churches. The western church commemorated the coming of the Magi on January 6. The eastern church continued to celebrate the Baptism of our Lord and the Wedding at Cana on January 6 and on Sundays leading up to Ash Wednesday. In the east, the day was called “Theophany” which is the manifestation of God. The light of Christ shines brightly through the lives of his disciples – that’s us! Where is Christ’s light shining in your life? 

Sundays in Advent | December 14, 21 | 10:00 am

Onsite & YouTube livestream. Jesus is coming!

Wednesdays in Advent Evening Prayer | December 17 | 7:00 pm

Holden Evening Prayer by Candlelight. Onsite & YouTube livestream

Christmas Caroling | Saturday, December 13

We visit homebound folks to spread the joy of Christmas

Meet at FELC at 12:45 pm.

Blue Christmas Winter Solstice | Sunday, December 21 | 5 pm

A service of quiet reflection with poetry, music, and scripture in this holiday season. Onsite & YouTube livestream

Christmas Eve | Wednesday, December 24 | 7:00 pm

Onsite & YouTube livestream

Holy Communion & Candlelight | 7:00 pm. Prelude Music begins at 6:45 pm

There is not a Christmas Day worship service.

Sunday after Christmas Lessons & Carols | December 28 | 10:00 am

Onsite & YouTube livestream

Worship together with scripture, poetry, and music for Christmas

Epiphany Sunday | January 4, 2025 | 10:00 am

Onsite & YouTube livestream | Epiphany Party following worship

On November 9 we began a seven-week series called “Out of the Blue” – a time in reflective waiting for Christ’s coming into the fullness of life. The bible stories in this series have followed the regular lectionary (set of readings) offered in many Christian churches. On December 21 we conclude this series in the theme “At the Turning Point” where we can engage the potential difficulty in recognizing the turning points in life and God’s invitation to live and act in God’s faithfulness. 
 

While Advent is a Christian season of hope and Christmas is a season of joy, not everyone feels hopeful or like celebrating.  Grief, illness, aging, depression, loneliness, unemployment, underemployment, and loss are magnified. Even those who are not struggling with losses may experience the stress of preparations and expectations around Christmas time.

The Blue Christmas gathering provides a  time and place of solace during the days surrounding the celebration of Christmas. We come together seeking healing and room to share grief, sadness, loneliness, confusion, and joy when emotions may feel out of place during the holidays. In the Northern Hemisphere, December 21 is the winter solstice. It marks the shortest day of the year, the official start of winter. Tradition says that nature and all her creatures stop and hold their breath to see if the sun will turn back from its wanderings, if the days will lengthen and the earth will once again feel the sun’s warmth. As we approach this longest night of the year, we come with darkness and light, for ourselves and for the whole world, and we come longing and hoping.  Join together this Sunday at 5 pm, onsite or online.

On November 9 we began a seven-week series called “Out of the Blue” – a time before and during the Advent season in reflective waiting for Christ’s coming into the fullness of life. The bible stories in this series follow the regular lectionary (set of readings) that are offered in many Christian churches. On December 14 we gather in the theme “Beyond the Superbloom” where we can experience the color and diversity of divine life even in the mundane. This Third Sunday of Advent takes its name from the scriptures and the Latin word Gaudete (“Rejoice”), the first word of the ancient opening song from 476 CE. Call it pink — or, more fittingly, rose — a traditional color on this Gaudete Sunday shows a glimpse of the joy that awaits us at Christmas.

On November 9 we began a seven-week series called “Out of the Blue” – a time before and during the Advent season in reflective waiting for Christ’s coming into the fullness of life. The bible stories in this series follow the regular lectionary (set of readings) that are offered in many Christian churches. On December 7, the Second Sunday in Advent, we gather in the theme “Wild New Life” where new growth refuses to be contained. At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases, we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. 

The Season of Advent: We announce the presence of God who welcomes us to name our blessings, our hurts, our need for healing, and our hopes for what is to come. The Advent liturgy reflects the mood, color, and themes of Advent, allowing us to enter this time of waiting, preparation, and hope. The primary color blue points toward expectation. The Advent wreath helps us mark time and contemplate patience even as we trust in God to act. The lighting of candles on an Advent wreath was a tradition imported from northern Europe in the nineteenth century and is now a common practice.

Join Repertory Chorus on Monday, December 8, 8:00 pm at FELC in a program themed around LIGHT. Graduate students Hunter Mullen and Adrienne Pedrotti and Undergrad music education major Jade Granderson will conduct. Free admission. FELC partners with UT’s Butler School of Music to provide a laboratory, rehearsal, and venue experience for these professional, educational vocal leaders. Additional UT holiday concert information coming up on December 6 & 7 is found at https://music.utexas.edu/events/5191-butler-holiday-concert.