Day of the Epiphany: 6 January!

Many millions of Christians call 6 January, this year on a Sunday, the Feast of Epiphany. It is one of the major church commemorations in the Orthodox and Coptic traditions as well as Spanish speaking communities, but we now see that most western lectionaries also take note of this season that starts on 6 January and lasts till Ash Wednesday.

In eastern Christian tradition and in Spanish speaking communities, while the birth of Christ is celebrated on December 25, the arrival of the Magi is celebrated on January 6 and called the Feast of Epiphany. This feast is in Orthodoxy celebrated with even more magnificent festivities and church services than Christmas.

The Epiphany considers that the Messiah was revealed to the Gentiles, while Christmas, the birthday, is celebrated as the day when Jewish believers, such as the shepherds, worshipped the new born King. This is why amongst Gentiles in the East, where the Magi came from, it became such an important day of remembrance and celebration, inspired by the wonder that the meaning of the light and love of Christ was also given to the gentile nations. They also emphasize the revelation of Christ by the Father at Jesus’ baptism with the words: "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matt 3:17.) They traditionally remind each other of the first miracle, when Jesus turned water into wine, and the Bible says, this was to reveal the “glory of Jesus”. 

In many western households it is the day when Christmas decorations are packed away.

But it can be much more than that.  It is inspiring to, at the beginning of our calendar year, consider the glory, the power and the message of the Son of God, as it was revealed to his followers through his miracles, parables and teachings while he ministered on earth!

The final and complete epiphany of the glory of Christ can only be understood when we remember his suffering, and his glorious resurrection, focused on during Lent and Easter.

6 January, or Epiphany Day, is a day when we may pray that Jesus will not leave us (even though Christmas is packed away!)  but show us the fullness of his glory, through his kindness and his victory during every season! 

May the light of the Lord shine brightly and festively in the midst of the world’s darkness, setting us free by the truth that Jesus Christ brought to us, his children!

And to our brothers and sisters in the eastern church who celebrate this feast on 6 January with so much passion, ceremony and praise – may you and your churches be truly blessed with a clear and exiting epiphany of the glorious Saviour of the world!