What Is Epiphany?

Last updated on: November 28, 2015 at 11:08 am by Jack Wellman

What Is Epiphany? 2015-11-28T11:08:38-06:00 Jack Wellman

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Have you heard of the word “epiphany?” What does it mean? What is it important for us to know?

What is an Epiphany?

The Epiphany is a Christian festival that’s observed on January 6th and commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi or the Twelfth Day. This announces the appearance or is about the manifestation of the deity of Jesus Christ. The word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word “Epiphania,” and means “to show, make known, or reveal.” The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361 and began as a commemoration of the birth of Christ but later, additional meanings were added like the visit of the three magi or kings but also of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River.

Epiphany Observances

Some Greek Orthodox churches still observe Epiphany as a celebration of the nativity of Jesus Christ. The wise men were apparently the first gentiles to publically recognize the deity and divinity of Christ by their offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which are gifts typically given to a king and by giving Christ these gifts, they recognize Him as a King.

The Christian Church

For many Christians, the Epiphany represents a responsibility given to believers to reveal Jesus as the Divine Son and Savior Who was sent by God the Father to atone for the sins of mankind. It is where the Church comes together in the covenant of brotherhood to love one another as Christ commanded His disciples before He went to the cross and ascended back to heaven. Some observe it as “Three Kings’ Day by offering prayers to God, some observe it by burning herbs that have been dried and blessed, others use it to sprinkle entryways with holy water, and still others observe it by inscribing the initials of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) on structures in order to receive a blessing. The vast majority of these observances appear to be non-biblical observations except the part where we know that God sent His Son to earth to be born of a virgin and live a sinless life to die for those who would repent and trust in Christ.

Other Epiphany Traditions

Some Protestant churches mark Epiphany by taking down Christmas trees and burning them in bonfires. Some have cchildren dress as the three kings and go caroling from door to door carrying a large star and receive for their reward money or sweets, which more often than not, go to church charities and relief organizations. Should Christians celebrate Epiphany? There is nothing wrong with celebrating or observing the events of Christ’s life but when they become the focus and not Christ, then it is simply the traditions of men and has no biblical significance.

Conclusion

Whether you celebrate or observe Epiphany or not, we do hope you will celebrate Christ this Christmas because without Christ, Christmas is just another day of consumerism and all about getting what you want. Children and adults should see the “Christ” in Christmas as the very reason for the season and as Paul writes, “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind” (Rom 14:5) so “Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Rom 14:6-8).

Article by Jack Wellman

Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren Church in Mulvane Kansas. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Teaching Children the Gospel available on Amazon.

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