What is Epiphany and Why is it Important?

What is Epiphany and Why is it Important?

Today is Epiphany. What is it? Why is it important? What are some historical traditions surrounding its celebration?

Epiphany is not celebrated by all Christians, but it is an integral part of the church year in the Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican traditions. In fact, it even penetrates the secular world – it is the origin of the “twelve days of Christmas:” as the day of Epiphany always falls on the twelfth day after Christmas. Many churches still celebrate it with a special service, which always falls on a weekday. Still others will observe it on the next closest Sunday.

Epiphany means “appearance or manifestation.” In other countries it may be referred to as “Three Kings Day,” which clues us in to its origin. Others may refer to it as “Gentile Christmas.” This day celebrates the revealing of the newborn Christ to the Gentiles in the persons of the three Magi.

The Magi, the origin of our word “magic” and is translated as “wise men” in most English translations, were learned men most likely from Persia (modern day Iran), who followed the Star which they knew from their study of the heavens and prophecy to mark the birth of a special King. You know the rest of the story. Some churches celebrate this visit by blessing chalk which the people then take home to mark their doorposts with the new year and the initials of the wise men like this: “20+C+M+B+23.” Tradition tells us the names of the wise men were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, though the Bible does not mention them by name. Marking the door thusly is thought to impart a blessing on the home for the coming year.

Since epiphany means manifestation, early celebrations honored any of the four manifestations of Christ. His birth, the adoration of the Magi, Jesus’ baptism, and the first miracle at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. These four manifestations reveal God to mankind. At his birth, the angels bore witness and the shepherds, representing Israel, bowed before Jesus. The visit of the Magi revealed Jesus’ to Gentiles. At his baptism, the Holy Spirit descended, and God declared Jesus’ identity. And the first miracle at the Wedding in Cana, revealed Jesus’ divinity over nature. God disclosed himself to humankind through the person of Jesus. He made himself known so we might know him.

Traditions observing Three Kings Day vary around the world and have changed over time. During the Middle Ages, celebrations focused on the Magi’s journey. In 1336 Italy, one would find processions, ceremonies, nativity plays, and carnivals. Some folklore and customs of Epiphany throughout the world include children receiving gifts on this day rather than on Christmas Day. In some Spanish-speaking countries, three kings deliver gifts not Santa Claus. On Twelfth Night, as it is known in some countries, children would leave a shoe and a bit of straw on their doorstep. They would find their shoe filled with gifts and the straw gone.

In other culture’s past centuries, Twelfth Day, or January 6, marked the end of the Christmas season with feasts and masquerades. Eastern Orthodox Christians called it “Feast of Lights” to reflect their belief that baptism happens because of spiritual illumination. Today, some people use Epiphany to take down their Christmas decorations and store them away for the next year.

Most importantly, Epiphany reminds us that Christ came to shine the light of the Gospel on all people. No matter the language you speak, or your country of origin, this day reminds us of the promise that faith in this child, who was born to one day die on the cross and rise from the tomb to pay for your sins and give you eternal life, belongs to all people, as the prophet Isaiah said:

1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

And the glory of Yahweh has risen upon you.

2 “For behold, darkness will cover the earth

And dense gloom the peoples;

But Yahweh will rise upon you,

And His glory will appear upon you.

3 “Nations will come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.

4 “Lift up your eyes round about and see;

They all gather together; they come to you.

Your sons will come from afar,

And your daughters will be carried on the nurses’ hip.

5 “Then you will see and be radiant,

And your heart will tremble and be large with joy;

Because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you,

The wealth of the nations will come to you.

Isaiah 60:1-5 Legacy Standard Bible. 2022. Three Sixteen Publishing.