Dear Lovelies,
Let’s talk about Epiphany! On January 6, we celebrate Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day. Epiphany literally means manifestation. Epiphany is a celebration of the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to all people – especially the Gentiles, who are represented by the Magi. The Magi visit Jesus and show how God’s gift of Good News is for everyone. The time between December 25 and January 6 is known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Epiphany was first introduced by early Church leaders in the third century. The holiday celebrates Christ’s birth, baptism, the adoration of magi, and the first miracle in Cana. (Fun note: Christmas and Advent were not observed until the fourth century!) When looking at the Church Calendar, the Church year begins at Advent. From then through Pentecost, we concentrate on the life and work of Christ. The rest of the year, basically Pentecost to Advent, focuses on Jesus’s lessons and how they apply to Christian life. The idea or purpose of the church calendar was to ensure that the breadth and depth of the Gospel is covered in the course of the year. During the six months from Advent to Pentecost, all six major events take place: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.
So more than just a cool look at Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, Epiphany is a time to celebrate the beginning of Jesus’s ministry realizing both his humanity and divinity.
Happy Day!
Traci Billman, Director of Christian Education
Last modified: January 6, 2025