The Miracle of Epiphany

Today is Epiphany, or Three Kings Day! If you’re like some, Epiphany may be a complete mystery to you. Not all denominations or churches celebrate this beautiful holy day. But when you learn what Epiphany’s all about, you may want to celebrate it every year! 

What is Epiphany? 

The word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” In Christianity, Epiphany stands for the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. Epiphany celebrates those times Jesus’ manifestation and nature were shown to the Gentiles (as in the meeting with the Magi) and other situations. This holy day is recognized and celebrated once the 12 days of Christmas are over, on January 6th by Western countries and on January 19th by Eastern countries. 

Most Western Christians focus on the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. However, many churches do celebrate this feast day. Some may hold special services, while families may have a party and leave their Christmas trees up. When Epiphany is over, this signals the end of the Christmas season, and many people take their Christmas trees and decorations down until the following Christmas.  

Epiphany’s Origin

Epiphany is one of the oldest celebrations in the Church. It was established in the third century by Christians to celebrate the birth of Christ, His baptism, the visit of the Magi, and Jesus’ first miracle in Cana. By the fourth century, Christmas and Advent had also been established. So, the celebration of Epiphany is older than Christmas. 

It’s hard to be certain exactly where Epiphany was first celebrated. Some believe that it started with Christians in Egypt around the year 215. However, others believe the feast day was first celebrated in Asia Minor. But one thing is for certain, and that is this—Epiphany is the perfect time to recognize the manifestation of Christ to the world. 

This holy day continues to have deep spiritual meaning during the Christian calendar each year. 

The Significance of Epiphany

As we mentioned above, Epiphany celebrates and recognizes the manifestation of Christ to the world. The Magi’s visit was significant for revealing Jesus to the Gentiles. At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, and God declared Jesus as His Son and the Messiah. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. 

This is the miracle of Epiphany—it is through these manifestations of Christ that God shows His love for us. As His children, our Father sent His only Son to save us from our sins and to bring us into right relationship through Christ’s sacrifice. 

God foretold Christ all the way back in Genesis 3:15: 

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.

After the sins of Adam and Eve, God decided to send the Messiah, His only begotten Son, to bring salvation, love, and healing to a fallen world. Our Father was merciful to Adam and Eve. He also showed mercy to us and all the billions who have lived before us. What could be more miraculous than this? 

Epiphany is a feast day set aside by the early Church fathers to celebrate Christ’s manifestation. He was sent to save His people, the Jews, but also to the Gentiles. That’s something worth remembering and celebrating! 

What better way to acknowledge God’s revelation and the precious gift of His Son than by celebrating the Epiphany?

Do All Christians Celebrate Epiphany? 

No, but Epiphany is recognized and celebrated by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, and Anglicans. There are Christians who attend churches that do not celebrate this feast day. Even so, they choose to celebrate the day on their own. 

What better way to end the Christmas season and recognize Jesus? In celebrating Christmas and Epiphany, we make Christ the center of our lives and hearts. 

Scriptures for Epiphany

Your church may have recommended scripture readings for Epiphany. If not, you can use the following scriptures to remember this beautiful day (you can also use the other verses used in this post): 

Matthew 2:1-12: the verses tell the story of how the angels revealed the birth of Jesus and the Magi followed His star and visited the holy family. 

Luke 2:1-14: tell about Jesus’ birth, the visit of the shepherds and the Magi. 

Isaiah 60:1-6: the verses describe the coming of the Messiah and that he brings salvation to all people. 

Psalm 72: declares the kings of the earth will worship, honor, an serve God and the Messiah. 

Luke 2:1-14: tell about Jesus’ birth, the visit of the shepherds and the Magi. 

John 1:14-18: declares that the Word (Jesus) became flesh and lived with us, and that Christ brought grace and truth to the world. 

Isaiah 9:6-7: these verses tell us that Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and that His government will bring peace and justice. 

Philippians 2:6-11: in these verses, Christ is said to have come as a humble person with no special reputation. He came as a lowly human and was obedient to God unto death. 

Each of these scriptures speaks of the manifestation—Epiphany—of Christ to us and His importance in God’s plan of the salvation of our fallen world. 

Can Protestants Celebrate Epiphany? 

The resounding answer is yes! Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, and Protestants celebrate this feast day. 

Some Protestant churches hold a service on the Sunday nearest January 6th. They may have a pageant of the three kings during the worship service, with a gathering for everyone after the service. 

If your church doesn’t have an Epiphany celebration, you can have one of your own. Some people have a family gathering where they read the scriptures (above) and have a meal together. In addition, some countries have their own traditions and celebrations. If you live in another country, try to celebrate as the locals do. It can be an enriching, enjoyable experience. 

Jesus is the Center of Christmas and Epiphany

No matter how you choose to celebrate Epiphany, we must remember that Jesus Christ is the center of these celebrations. Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ, who came that we might have life and that abundantly (John 10:10b). Not only that but so that we can have a right relationship with God through Christ. 

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 

Lift up your eyes all around, and see: they shall gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. 

Isaiah 60:1-5 NKJV

My prayer is that you and yours will have a lovely Epiphany celebration. Thank God for the precious, miraculous gift of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

God bless,

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