Epiphany Worship Resources for Pastors: Sermon & Liturgy

Updated for Epiphany, 2026

Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus to the world—his kingship, his identity as Messiah, and the gospel going to all nations.

That makes it pretty important, yet many Protestants neglect it. This worship guide helps you revive Epiphany in your congregation with sermon resources, liturgy, and practical celebration ideas. You'll find guides for Matthew 2 (the Magi), Isaiah 60, Ephesians 3, and Psalm 72, plus creative traditions—from King Cakes to door chalking—that help congregations rediscover the "Feast of Light." 

Epiphany ends up, for many of us, like a seasonal "middle child," getting lost between Christmas and Lent. The Epiphany of the Lord (Jan 6) begins the season of Epiphany, which lasts until Ash Wednesday. In western churches, it's often overshadowed by Christmas's glamor and feels like an anticlimax—the end of celebrations rather than a celebration in its own right. (Note: it's quite different in eastern churches!)

Epiphany is old. It was probably celebrated before Christmas as it included the celebration of Jesus' birth. There are references to the celebration as far back as 200 in Egypt (by a heretical sect) and in the 4th century in Europe by orthodox Christians.

An epiphany is a revelation. You may know the story of Archimedes running around naked shouting "Eureka"? He had an epiphany. (Get the illustration.) This is part of why the celebration is the "Feast of Light"—light reveals the truth. Historically, it was a day for baptism (with Orthodox and some Catholic churches still blessing nearby waters on the Epiphany)—the revelation of one's commitment to Christ—and marked by candles. Furthermore, the emphasis on light recalls the star followed by the wise men.

Perhaps we neglect Epiphany because we think of it just as a second Christmas with fewer presents—not the birth itself. Late birthday presents from the magi are less exciting than the birthday, perhaps?

That misses what Epiphany means: the revelation of Jesus, the messiah, to the world. The good news isn't good news if it is never news. The magi are especially important for all non-Jewish Christians—they were like us, brought in from the outside! This is also why the celebration of the baptism of Jesus follows right on the heels of the Epiphany—it is another revelation of Jesus—and it was once at least equally the focus of Epiphany itself as the magi's visit (along with the sign at the wedding in Cana).

How to Celebrate Epiphany: Creative Traditions for Your Church

The neglect of Epiphany by many Protestants presents an opportunity for pastors. Introducing traditions from Christians around the world as teaching points (or to keep year-after-year) provides a way of highlighting the important themes of Epiphany: Jesus' revelation as king, the revelation of Jesus to the gentiles in particular, light, baptism, and more.

• Bake King Cakes: Revive the tradition of king cakes, originally made for Twelfth Night (adapted in Louisiana as a tradition for the whole season of Epiphany): share a cake after the service complete with the bean or plastic baby, recalling crowns of the magi. See our illustration, for a traditional European cake, see this BBC recipe, and this article about New Orleans-style cakes.

• The Legend of La Befana: In Spanish-speaking countries, La Befana is a legendary figure who hosted the wise men, but was too occupied with the cares of her household to come with them to visit Jesus. She realized her mistake too late and followed with gifts, but couldn't find Jesus. She still searches, giving gifts to children. It's a sad story, but a memorable parable that can be used in a children's sermon or other activity. (See illustration.)

• Schedule Baptisms: You may not wish to do these outdoors during early January, but using baptisms to highlight the baptism of Jesus and the confessional function of baptism is an excellent tie-in to Epiphany. (See our guide for baptisms.) In eastern Christianity, some Christians jump in the water to renew their baptisms—you could start a tradition of holy polar bearing in your church in Minnesota... but we don't recommend it (if you're in Sydney, it's perfect time for baptisms al fresco!).

• Candle-light Services: In the early church, the baptism services would have been done at night, lit by torches or candles. Consider using candles at your baptisms to represent the flame of faith in the congregation welcoming the newly baptized.

• Door Chalking: In some churches, priests make house-calls to bless houses, writing with chalk over the doorway. The role of public witness in Epiphany can be emphasized by this practice. (See our illustration.)

Because many western churches do not have established Epiphany traditions, you have freedom to get creative while drawing on the lessons behind these traditions.

Epiphany Sermon & Liturgy Guides by Scripture Text

Need help preaching the Magi's story or Epiphany themes? Choose from these Epiphany sermon guides. Each Lectionary Guide includes preaching commentary, illustrations, quotes, and liturgy (Complete Package subscribers). Scripture Guides offer the same sermon content without liturgy (Essentials subscribers).

Baptism of the Lord Sermon & Liturgy Guides by Scripture Text

Focusing on the Baptism of Jesus? Choose from these guides on the Baptism of Jesus or follow this link for more resources on the Baptism of Jesus.

Each Lectionary Guide includes preaching commentary, illustrations, quotes, and liturgy (Complete Package subscribers). Scripture Guides offer the same sermon content without liturgy (Essentials subscribers).

Sermon and Liturgy Resources by Theme

Browse sermon illustrations, quotes, and resources organized by theme. Click any theme to see all related content.

Sermon resources accessible to all paid subscribers. Liturgy requires Complete Package subscription.