Epiphany

EPIPHANY

Every one knows Christmas comes each year on December 25th, when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of a baby named Jesus.

Twelve days after Christmas,  Christians celebrate Epiphany, also knows at Three Kings’ Day.   This is the feast day where Christians celebrate the revelation of God in his son, Jesus Christ and honor the coming of the three kings to see baby Jesus.   However, it is celebrated in different ways from Western and Eastern Christians.

The Western Christians honor the visit of the Magi to the Christ child and the showing of him to the Gentiles.  The Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, presenting him to the world as the Son of God.

This feast day is usually celebrated on January 6th, however it is celebrated in some countries on the Sunday after January 1st.

Epiphany is primarily observed by Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican Christians.  It commemorates two events recorded in the Bible: the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus; and Jesus’ baptism.

Churches have beautiful  paintings, artwork and stained glass portraying the three wise men and Jesus. They are depicted in different ways. Some show the three wise men following the star that led them to Bethlehem to honor baby Jesus, other portray them observing the Christ Child in the manger. The three kings visit was important because it verified that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles.

Since I was a child, my family would always have a manger under our Christmas tree. The tradition has continued in our home since hubby and I married in 1965.   There is also a ceramic piece of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus that my mom painted over 30 years ago.  Both have such wonderful meanings and memories.

A beautiful time of year from December 25th through January 6th.