What is Epiphany?

While the hustle and bustle of Christmas ends for many people on December 26th, throughout Christian history Christmas lasts for much longer. Twelve more days to be exact. Most of us are familiar with the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This song is describing the ancient practice of taking twelve days to celebrate Christ’s birth, culminating on the 12th day after Christmas, January 6th, which is called Epiphany—which means “manifestation” or “revelation.”

The Bible never states specifically when the Magi from the East visited Jesus and presented Him with their gifts. However, a tradition developed that they appeared on the 12th day after Jesus’ birth. The reason this is so significant is that this would be the first time gentile people would have bowed down and worshiped Christ. It was this event, this manifestation, that Epiphany celebrates. Along with this, it was also believed down through the ages that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist on this very same day—marking his manifestation not only to the gentiles, but revealing to the entire world that He was the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of all people.