Observed on January 6th, the Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The word "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word Epiphania, "to show, make known, or reveal." The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, new meanings were added: the visit of the three Magi, Christ's baptism in the Jordan River, and His first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
While some Greek Orthodox Churches still observe the Epiphany celebration as the Nativity of Jesus, the majority of Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican Churches focus on the visit of the Magi and Jesus' baptism.
The eve of Epiphany, called Twelfth Night, is thought to mark the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. The significance behind the visit of the Magi is the revelation of Christ as "Lord and King." These Wise Men were the first Gentiles to publicly recognize the divinity of Jesus, by way of their offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River revealed His divinity as the Son of God. John the Baptist testifies of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus like a dove, and a voice from heaven saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17) In our own church, we mark the Baptism of our Lord by baptizing candidates on the first Sunday after Epiphany. This year, that Sunday falls on January 7.
Several Russian, Coptic, and Greek Churches also focus on the wedding feast at Cana, in which Jesus revealed His power to perform miracles, a divine prerogative.
Throughout the world there are many rituals and traditions celebrating the Epiphany. In Europe and Latin America, Christians commemorate Three Kings' Day by offering prayers, burning herbs that have been dried and blessed, sprinkling entryways with holy water, and inscribing the initials of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) on structures in order to receive a blessing. A favored custom in Central Europe involves "star singers". Children dress as the three kings and go caroling from door to door carrying a large star. In reward, they receive money or sweets, which often go to church charities and relief organizations.
For many Christians, Epiphany is a reminder of God the Father's unlimited love and mercy, which He has extended to all of mankind through the revelation of His Son, and of the hope of salvation that is now manifest for all who come to him in faith.
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