January 5 or 6, 2025
Many communities celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord on the Sunday following January 1. Those celebrating the Second Sunday after Christmas Day today may find a Word and Song reflection here. For another Word and Song reflection on the feast of the Epiphany, click here.
Revised Common Lectionary
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (see 11)
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
I’ve never had the patience to read and study the writings of James Joyce, which are famously dense, layered with meanings that can feel impenetrable. Yet I’ve always been drawn to the phrase “Here Comes Everybody,” which Joyce made famous in Finnegans Wake. Those who have studied that book tell us that the phrase expresses the universality of the human experience—and the inherent chaos in our interconnectedness.
We share a common humanity, bound together in ways that transcend individual differences. Yet, these connections are often messy, as the boundaries of language, ethnicity, and ideas blur and break down in the light of our shared existence.
Today’s feast of the Epiphany is, in many ways, a celebration of “Here Comes Everybody.”
The reading from the prophet Isaiah proclaims the light of God’s glory shining from Jerusalem—a light so radiant that it draws people from every nation. The people of Israel and Judah are set apart, but not for themselves alone. They are called to be a beacon, drawing the whole world to God’s light.
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, echoes this truth: in Christ, here comes everybody. God has broken down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. God’s promises to Israel are not revoked; rather, in Christ, God has manifested divine love and grace accessible to people of all nations.
And then there are the magi in Matthew’s Gospel. They come from the East, following the light of a star—a sign that transcends borders and speaks to the human longing for meaning and connection. These sages represent a humanity that defies divisions of nationality or religion. They remind us that Christ’s light is not confined to one people, one place, or one tradition.
The feast of the Epiphany proclaims this transformative truth: in Christ, God’s love is poured out for all—regardless of religion, race, immigration status, or any other human category. Christ comes into this messy, deeply interconnected world and invites us to do the same.
Epiphany is not just about receiving the light; it’s about sharing it. We are called to open our doors, tear down walls, and live boldly in the light of Christ’s love.
Here Comes Everybody.
A Hymn for Today: “Epiphany Carol”
Most of the texts that current hymnals provide for the Epiphany focus on the journey of the magi, the star they followed, or the gifts they offered. This hymn by Roman Catholic priest Francis Patrick O’Brien begins with these images and goes on to celebrate the manifestation of God’s love to all people in the Word made flesh and the revelation of God’s reign of justice. Listen here.
Ev’ry nation sees the glory
Of a star that pierced the night.
As we tell the wondrous story
We are bathed in radiant light.
Star sent forth from highest heaven,
Dancing light of God’s design,
Shine upon the gift that’s given:
Word made flesh now born in time.
Ev’ry tongue shall sing the praises
Of his birth in deepest night.
He is healing for the ages:
He is Christ, our God’s delight.
He proclaims within his being
All our hopes, our great desires.
He shall die to rise, redeeming
All who follow with their lives.
Once again may we discover
Word made flesh sent from above.
In our neighbor, sister, brother,
In the lonely and unloved.
May we touch him, may we hold him,
May we cradle him with care
As we learn to love each other,
Bringing hope from our despair.
Gather, God, the world together
In the brightness of your day.
Fill our hearts with joy forever;
Help us walk the holy way.
May your justice rule the nations;
May all people live as one.
Now we see our true salvation
In the glory of your Son.
Text: Francis Patrick O’Brien, b. 1958. © 2002, GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission under OneLicense #A-729857
Tunes: BEACH SPRING, HOLY MANNA
Image Credit: Rising Star, Milky Way, photograph, John Fowler, 2014
“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.
To receive these weekly reflections by email, please send a message to office@thehymnsociety.org and type “Lectionary” in the subject line.