What Is Epiphany?

What Is Epiphany? The Meaning of Epiphany, How To Celebrate and When To Mark the 12th Day of Christmas

Epiphany is a meaningful time for many Christians. One of the very first holidays (also called feast days) of the year, Epiphany comes on the heels of Christmas celebrations and is a time of joy and faith. While the biblical origins of Epiphany remain relatively consistent among believers, the actual holiday itself, from the date to its name to its length, actually varies greatly. What is Epiphany and what happens on Epiphany?

What is the meaning of Epiphany?

Epiphany, also called Theophany, is a celebration of God manifesting as the baby Jesus and revealing Himself to the world. The holiday also marks the day the Magi, or the three kings, visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Jesus’ baptism is also celebrated during Epiphany. The holiday is also sometimes known as Three Kings Day.

What happens on Epiphany?

During Epiphany, people celebrate the Magi (also known as the three kings or the three wise men, though their number is never actually revealed in the Bible) following a star to visit baby Jesus. According to the BBC, experts believe the Magi were astronomers (some cite them as astrologers) who paid close attention to the stars and planets above. The star is called The Star of Bethlehem. It has been visible several times since Jesus’ birth, though it’s rare: It was most recently visible in December 2020 and will likely not be seen again until 2080.

What is the Epiphany in the Bible?

In the Bible, the Epiphany is Jesus’ visit from the Magi, aristocratic men from the east (often referred to as kings or wise men) followed a star to see the newborn baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The Magi brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold was considered a symbol of kings, frankincense a perfume representing divinity, and myrrh an anointing and embalming oil that symbolized death.