The Epiphany of Our Lord
04 January 2026
The Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son
The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a “Thirteenth Day” of Christmas; and yet, it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. While Christmas has focused on the Incarnation of our Lord—that is, on God becoming flesh—the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1–2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth—not only to the Jews but also to Gentiles (Eph. 3:8–10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5–11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word, to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3–6). With gold they confess His royalty; with incense, His deity; and with myrrh, His priestly sacrifice (Matt. 2:11).
Parish News
The Altar Flowers donated today to the Glory of God by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Monday in memory of Martha McKibben.
Sanctuary Undecorating Please join us today after Divine Service to pack up away and put all of the Christmas decorations. Many hands make light work!
2026 Altar Flowers Chart on the table in the Narthex. Please print clearly to sign up for the dates you would like to donate flowers and, if you wish, a designation “in memory of” or “in honor of” a person or occasion.
2026 Contribution Envelopes Please pick up your 2025 contribution envelopes from the table in the Narthex.
College Bible Study and Meal Our college students are invited to fellowship, a meal, and Bible Study on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm. Members, please check the bulletin board to sign up to bring a meal.
The Story of Scripture Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Strengthen your biblical literacy and grow in your understanding of God’s Word. For the upcoming week, we will read Numbers 20-24 at home with class time devoted to reviewing what was read and connecting the theology of Scripture to our lives today.
Study God’s Word In 2026… The Word of the Lord Endures Forever is a daily 15-minute, verse-by-verse Bible study produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Will Weedon. You can listen by phone, (618) 262-0078. You can also listen at thewordendures.org, the LPR mobile app and a podcast provider.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Epiphany of Our Lord
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Study 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Christmas Undecorating, 12:00 pm
- Didache, 3:15 pm
Tuesday
- College Bible Study and Meal, 5:30 pm
Wednesday
- The Story of Scripture, 4:30 pm
Next Sunday The Baptism of Our Lord
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Second Sunday Snacks hosted by YPI, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Didache, 3:15 pm
- Lutherhaus, 7:00 pm
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Wednesday, 3:45-4:45 pm
- Friday, 3:45-4:45 pm
